The Lives and Times of Dodge City: Part IIA

by jacquelin1

This is the continuation of the Alternate Universe of Gunsmoke. I do not own the rights to the characters of Gunsmoke and do not make any profit from this story. Matt Dillon and Kitty Russell have brought the children home, and everyone is settling down. Hoping for a peaceful life, things always happen. This part focuses on the love lives of the Dodge City couples

The Lives and Times of Dodge City: Part II: The Courtship of Kitty Russell

This is the continuation of the Alternate Universe of Gunsmoke. I do not own the rights to the characters of Gunsmoke and do not make any profit from this story. Matt Dillion and Kitty Russell have brought the children home, and everyone is settling down. Hoping for a peaceful life, things always happen. This part focuses on the love lives of the Dodge City couples and how the manage everything that is new.

Chapter One: The Return of Albert Spenser

Long Saloon: 2:00 in the Afternoon:

"I will be with you in one minute." When she did not hear a response back, she looked up, dropped the pencil, and a hand went to her mouth. "Albert", she said with venom in her voice.

"Hello Red. Missed me." His hand with the flowers extended towards her. He started to advance towards her, and she went behind the bar. At this moment there was no one in the bar and with the family gone and Sam fetching a barrel of beer, Kitty was alone. "I sure have missed you Red, how are my nieces and nephews?"

Kitty secured the bar counter between him and her. Looking down, she not only saw the shotgun they kept there but as Johnny left his gun belt. Thanking him quietly, she knew she needed to keep Albert talking until it was not the two of them in the bar. "They are fine, settling in, making friends, usual things children do. What are you doing here Albert."

"I came for you and the children. Here these are for you." Albert thrusted the flowers into her face. "Take them. A pretty lady like you deserves flowers. Next time I will bring roses, and candy."

Taking the flowers, Kitty thank him. "I need to put them in water Albert. Would you like a beer, or whiskey." Taking an empty beer mug and filled it with water, then place the flowers in it and place them on the shelf behind her.

"I am a whiskey man Red. You should learn this. I know you drink beer, and you love Napoleon Cognac." He watch it intensely as she poured the whiskey in a glass and slide the glass to him. "You do that beautifully love. We can teach our daughters how to do it. Pleases a man so."

Sam Nooman brought the keg of beer up to the main floor using a two-handed wheel cart. He stopped and looked at Alberts strange declaration to Miss Kitty and then back to his boss to see her reaction.

"Oh, Sam. Thank you for bringing up the beer. Just set it over there please." Kitty pointed to the corner. Sam knew something was not right but showed no expression other than a smile while he nodded to her. Albert watched this interrelation between Sam and Kitty.

"Sam, I am expecting an important letter in the mail. I hate to ask you to go to the post office, but Albert has arrived, and we are catching up."

"Yes, Miss Kitty. I will go and fetch it." Sam headed quickly towards the front of the bar. He stopped and looked back at Kitty and Albert. He knew that this was a ploy to fetch a certain marshal. Outside, he started to head towards the marshal's office, When he turned towards the office he saw Newly and Jessica walking in his direction. Going immediately towards the couple he stopped them.

Newly O'Brien and Jessica Dillion had been working nonstop on inventory for the gunsmith's shop. Realizing the time, both realized the time and that they had not eaten since early morning. Delmonico's was tossed around and agreed upon. Newly grabbed his gun belt and Stetson and Jessica grabbed her hat and parasol. Together they left the shop, he making sure the front door was locked, her looking around at the town.

"Newly, there is a man in the Long Branch with Miss Kitty that she called Albert. I am going for the marshal," Sam's voice was tense and worried. He did not like leaving her, but needing the marshal caused him to go. If Newly went into the Long Branch, it would give her a few seconds.

"Get the marshal. I will get to the Long Branch. Jessica, go with Sam." Newly started to walk briskly to the saloon.

"Get my father." Jessica called behind her as she caught up with Newly. "I can advert him Newly." Her voice was calm and steady. The two stopped at the batwings to assess the scenario in the bar. A sigh of relief came from Newly when he realized that Kitty was on one side of the bar and Albert on the other. Then Albert picked up his glass and started to move to the back side of the counter.

"Albert, what are you doing. I don't allow non-employees back here." Kitty was in control of her actions and voice.

"Just putting up my glass, Red."

Newly and Jessica walked into the bar laughing as though a joke was told to them. Albert and Kitty both turned and saw the couple, they in turned 'acted' surprise in seeing Albert.

"Uncle Albert. What brings you to Dodge?" Jessica acted innocently.

"I would get out from behind there Spenser. Miss Kitty gets right down mean if you don't work for her and your behind the bar." Newly stated matter-of-factly. His left-hand slide down to his pistol as he stared at the older man.

"Well, well. Hello Jessica." Albert left from behind the bar and started walking over to her. "I came to see my family." Albert stopped in front of her, grabbed her shoulders and planted a kiss on her left cheek. It was too close for Jessica's liking, and it felt as though Albert kissed her with his tongue. She took a step backwards and when she did, Newly stepped between them.

Sam burst into the marshal's office looking for the big man. Grateful, he saw not only Dillion was at his desk, but Festus was making coffee.

"Marshal. Albert is in town and in the Long Branch with Miss Kitty. I bumped into Newly and Miss Jessica, they are going in there so that she's not alone." Sam was breathing hard and stood out of the way as Matt stood up, went and grabbed his gun belt off the peg and then left the office, Festus following him. Sam closed the door behind them all and headed back to the Long Branch and then decided that they might need Doc Adams or Doc Sam. He diverted to go and find one of them and apprise them of the situation.

As he headed over to the Long Branch Matt felt a lump in his throat. He has always worried about his enemies threatening him, but now his family was threatened. This was a new and overwhelming feeling he had. If Spenser has done anything to his family, he would tear the man apart with his bare hands.

Albert looked at Newly, "I don't understand Jessica", he started attempting to look around the gunsmith who seemed to be protecting her. "Why are you hiding behind this man".

"You know why." Jessica touched Newly's back letting him know exactly where she was.

"It feels good boy, knowing you will protect her. I have many plans for my nieces, and one is a good marriage arrangement." Albert continued stepping closer to Newly.

Newly was not sure what Spenser had in mind, so first he took a step back and then drew his pistol. "Don't come closer Spenser."

When Newly drew his gun, Alberts eyes went wide. He thought about drawing his own pistol but knew that the gunsmith would just shoot him. He stepped over to the bar and motioned to Kitty.

"Red, I need a whiskey. I just don't understand why my niece is afraid of me."

Kitty did not say a word, and as she poured Albert a whiskey, Matt and Festus came barreling into the saloon. He looked over the situation and motioned for Newly to put his gun away. Jessica was safe and standing behind Newly. Kitty kept the counter between her and Albert.

"Spenser, what are you doing in Dodge?" Matt approached Spenser as Spenser just lifted his glass and drowned his whiskey.

"I came to see my nieces and nephews. Is that a crime now Marshal." He said calmly.

"No, it isn't a crime. I don't want you around my family, Spenser. You are nothing but trouble."

"Well marshal. I have no intentions of leaving. You see, I am here to court Red and make her my wife. Then her, me and the children will go back to St. Louis, regain the family lands and give those children back the lifestyle they grew up in. As for Red, she needs a comfortable life where she doesn't work in a smoke-filled room with drunkard man-handling her all the time."

Matt squared himself in front of Spenser. Anger was swelling up inside of him. He did not know exactly what to do, part of him wanted to put him 6 feet under. "Spenser, you leave Kathleen and the children alone. We are a family. It would be wise for you to leave Dodge."

"Or what marshal. You plan on killing me. Until I break the law, you can't just throw me out of Dodge." Albert smirked at Matt.

Matt had enough, and in a swift movement he backhanded Spenser, who went down for a few minutes. Jessica buried her head into Newly's back and he placed his arm around her shoulders hugging her for comfort. Kitty came around the counter and went over to Matt to stop him from doing something he would pay dearly for later.

"Matt, he isn't worth it." She looked over to Festus, "Festus, toss him out of the Long Branch."

"Yes, Miss Kitty." Festus went over to Spenser, "Come on youse pieces of dirt." He dragged Spenser out of the Long Branch and toss him into the street. Doc was on his way to the saloon when he saw Festus tossing Spenser out.

"Guess he is here now." Doc stated to Festus.

"Matthew smack the yahoo hard Doc. You might go eyeball him. If 'in you gots a pill to make him leave, jam it do his throat will ya."

Matt took a deep breath. He looked down at Kitty and took her by the shoulders. "Are you alright?" his voice sounded concerned.

"I am fine, really Matt. I am worried about Jessica. She patted his chest and then went over to Jessica. Matt followed her, concern now for his daughter.

When she saw her parents coming over, she disengaged Newly's arm. Straightening herself up she looked at her mother and then her father.

"I'm fine." She said to them. Kitty tilted her head a bit and looked her straight in the eyes.

"Really?" Kitty asked

Sighing, "Uncle Albert did something that caught me off guard. He gave me a kiss on the cheek, and it was close to my mouth. And for some reason, he used his tongue. That part was weird, and it startled me."

Kitty looked to Matt and then to Newly. "Where were you two going? I know the saloon wasn't your destination."

"We were heading towards Delmonico's for a late lunch. We were going to stop in and ask if you would like us to pick up the children after school? We can still do that if you want." Newly replied.

"I am not sure if I could eat anything now." Jessica spoke up. "I am creeped out by him."

Matt walk over to his daughter and hugged her. "You should eat Jessy. And if the two of you can gather Matty and Lilly after school that would be great. I need to figure out what I can do to run Albert out of town and our lives."

"I will take good care of her marshal." Newly stated and then to Jessy, "Come on, we put in a good day. Let's get something to eat and then fetch the children." Jessica nodded and went with him. As they left, Doc Adams walked into the saloon. He stood at the batwings and watch the young couple walk down towards Delmonico's.

"Fine looking couple there." He rubbed his hand across his mustache. "Matt, Kitty. I just looked over Albert Spenser. Sam got me. What is he doing in town? Never mind. I know that answer. Festus is keeping 'one eyeball peeled on the yahoo.'"

"He came to cause trouble for us Doc. Not sure just what to do, but I will do something." Matt looked down at Kitty and gave her a side hug. "I need to send some telegraphs out. Want to follow up on a few things. I will be home for dinner. You be alright?"

"I will be fine Matt. Especially when the little ones are home." Kitty hugged him back and then head back to the bar. "Sam, a beer for Doc and me please."

"Yes, Miss Kitty." Sam poured two beers for them and quietly made sure that the shotgun and Johnny's pistol was loaded.

Doc took the beers and motioned for Kitty to come and sit with him. He patted her arm, "Don't you worry Kitty. Matt will manage this with Spenser. So when are you and the big aloof tying the knot?"

"Really Doc. There is a man in town, related to my twins, threatening me and all of the children and you wonder when Matt and I will get married."

Outside, walking down the street with Maria, Johnny Dillion was pulling a weighted down wagon full of supplies for the Long Branch and the Dillion family. "Really Maria, did we need 50 pounds of potatoes. Not counting anything else? Thought old Jonas's eyes were going to pop out when he received the money for this order."

"Johnaton James Dillion! That is no way to speak of your elders and the staple of this community. I will go through twenty pounds of potatoes just to feed you."

"Well, I am a growing boy. Look how big my father grew to. Maybe I will be just as big." Johnny laugh, and then suddenly stopped. Maria stopped beside him and stared across the street. There was a man, someone neither expected to see. Albert Spenser.

"What the hell is he doing here." Johnny demand. He dropped the handle of the wagon and before Maria could grabbed his arm, he stormed over to his uncle.

Johnny stopped in front of his uncle and confronted him. "I don't know why you are here Uncle Albert, but you're not wanted in this town. Go back to St. Louis and your whiskey and women."

"Watch your tone with me boy. I am after all your uncle. I came here to reclaim what is rightfully mine and taken away from me." Albert sneered at him.

"The judge granted custody of us to our parents." Johnny straighten up as tall as he could and went to place his hand on his gun. Cursing slightly to himself, remembering that the gun belt was back at the Long Branch.

"Are the little ones adopted yet, hum? Is your mommy and daddy married yet?" Albert noticed that Johnny had gone for his gun, yet there was no gun on his waist. He figure that if he could goad the youngster, he would then have the chance to backhand the boy without trouble with the law.

"What does that have to do with anything." Demanded Johnny.

"Do you really think that the good marshal will marry a saloon whore and have her raise his blood?"

Festus had been watching and listening. When it look like Johnny was going to do something that he would regret, Festus decided it was time to step in.

"Woo there now youngin. No need to jaw with a scraggly looking hound dog likes your uncle now. Youse think you should go and help Miss Maria, while me and youse uncle talk man to man. Go on now." Festus turned Johnny towards the other side of street and gave him a shove in that direction. Turning back to Albert, he continued. "Youse stay away from the Dillions, you hear. I'se have one eyeball peeled on you day and night. Any more trouble, I might just take you out to them there Injuns and sees if I can sells you. You hears me, do you?"

Albert looked towards Johnny and then back to Festus. Time was on his side, so he decided to play along. "I hears you deputy." He mocked Festus and with that, continued towards the Dodge house.

TBC

Chapter Two: The Twins Plot

Johnny went looking for his twin. He found her upstairs in the parlor helping Matty with his homework. "Jess, need to talk to you."

"Later John, helping Matty."

"I really need to talk to you Jessy."

"Again Johnny, helping Matty."

"Alright Jessica, later."

"After dinner Johnaton."

"You two are very weird." Matty spoke up.

Later that night, once dinner was finished and the younger two bathed and in bed, Johnny came up to Jessica. "Now? Is now a good time."

"Yes, now is a good time. Where do you wish to talk about and where?" Jessica rose up from her chair and straightened out her dress.

Johnny reached out and took her hand. "Come with me." He began to drag his sister down the back stairs.

"Just where are you taking me." She demanded.

"To the back room in the cellar."

Once they arrived in the back room, Johnny grabbed a chair he fixed and dust it off. "Here, this one is fixed. The others aren't ready yet." Jessica sat down and looked at her brother.

"So, what is the problem, or subject that we need to talk about."

"It is about Pa and Ma and the fact that they aren't married." Johnny began to pace back and forth in front of her.

"I am aware that they aren't married. Everyone knows they are not married. Now it is a problem?"

"Jessy, Uncle Albert is in town, and he is making noise about marrying Ma. And then taking the little ones with them. We need to get them married, and quickly to stop this nonsense."

"Well, Johnny. What are we going to do. Hog tie them. Haul them down to the preacher. Nod their heads for them?"

"Jessy, that's not funny. Maybe an idea, but definitely not funny. So, you get Ma, and I get Pa. That doesn't seem fair." Johnny ran his hands through his hair.

"No, you're right. How about I take father, and you take mother."

"Jessica, I am serious. What are we going to do?" Johnny looked panicky.

"I am not sure Johnny, but I agree with you that we have to do something. Mother wants a beautiful proposal, but I don't think father knows that."

"I thought he did propose to her." He looked confused.

"Not really. He 'mentioned' it but not really. Women need to be courted and then asked. Makes them feel really special." Jessica eyes looked dreamy to Johnny.

"Courted, you mean like buggy rides, walks in parks or down the street, dinner?"

"Yes, and other things. He would need to actually ask her father, or Grandpa if he had permission to court her."

"Now you're being silly Jessica. I mean, they share a bed and all. Why would he just go and court her now."

"They have always kept their relationship a secret. Now he needs to bring it out into the open. Let everyone, include Uncle Albert that she is his woman, we are a family and cut him out of our lives."

"So, do you know what I should do?"

"Johnny, work on father. Get Matty to work on him with you. I will get Lilly to help me."

Johnny nodded his head, his mind started racing. "I think I have a few ideas. We should get back up there before they come and hunt us down. Me being down here is normal, you not so much."

He helped her up out of the chair and they went upstairs. Meeting them at the top was Kitty, who had been looking for Jessica. "And where have you two been?" She looked at them with suspicion.

Jessica looked at her feet. Lying was not something she liked to do, nor very good at. Johnny on the other hand, had no problem. "Ma, sorry. We should have said something. I was just showing her what I did. She even tried one out, and it passed."

Kitty looked from Johnny to Jessica. Seeing the sawdust on both of them. "Jessica, we need to get you some working clothes. You cannot keep working in your good clothes."

"Yes ma'am. Would tomorrow be fine with you?"

"Right after breakfast." Kitty stated firmly.

"Right after breakfast." Jessica confirmed

"Alright you two, it is getting late. Johnny, since you have so much energy you can go and help Sam. Jessica, we have a busy day tomorrow, so head to bed."

"Yes ma'am," both said in unison. Jessica continued upstairs to the family living quarters, while Johnny headed out to the saloon floor and to Sam.

Sam watched the young man come over to him and grabbed the tub of glasses. Johnny stopped midstride, looked around the room and then asked Sam. "I have a man-to-man question, Sam; can you answer it for me."

"Well, I suppose I could. What about asking your pa that question." Sam waited for the reply as he wiped down the counter of the bar.

"It's about my pa, and my ma."

"I don't know if I can answer a question about the marshal and Miss Kitty." Sam stopped his cleaning and looked at the young man.

"Why haven't they married? How do I get pa to court ma?"

"Ah, the first question you need to ask your parents. The second question is why you want to get your pa to court your ma?" Sam was now intrigued by Johnny's question.

Pondering the first response, Johnny nodded. "It would be nice if we could be a formal family and all. I mean, they could adopt the younger two, she would not be Miss Kitty, she would be Mrs. Dillion. Doesn't it all make sense, doesn't it Sam?"

"I think that she will always be Miss Kitty, even if she is Mrs. Dillion. As for them marrying, I believe they will."

"So, how do I get pa to start a courtship with ma?" Johnny seemed confused by the whole thing. "And why does it seem so confusing?"

"Just remember Johnny, women like to confuse men. Let me think for a moment about how to get the marshal to court Miss Kitty."

Later that night, Sam approached Johnny as they put up the chairs. "Been thinking on the issue. I would say that the best way would be for the Marshal to formally ask her 'father'."

"You mean Doc, right?"

"Yes, so I would say to talk to Doc tomorrow. Let him know what is happening. I bet he would help out a lot."

"Thanks Sam. Good night." Johnny headed up the stairs to his room. He had much to ponder on. Would his grandfather help? He would need to talk to Jessy in the morning.

The next morning, Kitty and Jessy left right after breakfast for shopping. Looking at clothing at Jonas' store. Picking out a few working woman shirts and a couple of skirts. Seeing an apron, Jessica will look it over. "What about this mother? It would be helpful when the shop needs cleaning."

"A very good idea Jessy. Will save on cleaning your shirts. I think I would like to go to Delmonico's for a sweet roll and coffee. Does that sound good to you?"

"Oh yes mother. I am a bit hungry, and coffee sounds good. I told Newly that I would not be in today."

"Mr. Jonas, please put this on my bill. I will be in at the end of the week to pay it." Kitty smiled to him.

"Yes, Miss Kitty. You and Miss Jessica have a good day." Jonas smiled at the two women.

Kitty and Jessy walked into Delmonico's and went to the table the family normally sat at. An order for two sweet rolls and a pot of coffee was placed, the two women began to chat.

"Is father truly alright with me working in Newly's shop?" Jessica pulled a piece of the sweet roll off the roll.

"Matt likes Newly and knows he would treat you correctly." Kitty took a sip of her coffee. "Have the two of you talked about courting?"

"Not really. We are becoming closer, but courting hasn't come up. Would you be alright if he asked father?"

Kitty chuckled a bit. "I might be, not sure if your father would be. Of course, you are still a bit young to settle down and have babies."

Jessica laughed out loud and then asked, "Did father ever court you?" A raised eyebrow was all that Jessica thought she needed for the answer. "Oh, I see."

"Your father and I kept our relationship quiet so that I could be protected. Much like you and Johnny. Now it seems silly to expect it." Kitty's voice was quiet.

"No mother it doesn't. I just don't think father knows he is to court you." Jessica reached out and touched her mother's hand. "I know the two of you love each other. The whole town knows, but a woman wants to know she is special. Doesn't she?" The last question, Jessica sounded unsure.

"Yes, she does Jessica, yes she does."

Johnny took the steps up to the doctor's office two at a time. Entering the office, Doc looked up from his desk. "Hello Johnny. You need something?"

"Hi, Grandpa. I need to ask you a question and I do need you to do something for us children."

Doc gave Johnny a stare and rubbed his hand across his mustache. "Well, spit it out boy, don't have all day."

"I need you to make my pa ask you to court my ma." Johnny stated plainly

"Why in tarnation do you children want me to do that?"

"Pa can't know that we put you up to it." Johnny started. "Uncle Albert is in town and well, he is making threats of marrying ma and taking us away. I want him to go away and all, but I am afraid if pa might just loose it and kill him. And she won't marry pa unless he does it right. And well…"

Doc stopped him, swearing to himself that the boy was beginning to sound like Festus. "Alright grandson, I will see what I can do."

"Thanks Grandpa." Johnny hugged him quickly and then left the office. Doc shook his head and wondered how he was going to make it happen.

TBC

Chapter Three: So, It Begins

Albert Spenser laid in bed and pondered. Drinking a glass of whiskey, he came across his most brilliant idea! He had learned that walking the young ones to school and back fell upon Johnny's responsibilities in the house. The marshal did not always have time, or could be tied up in something, so he could not do it. And it seemed to Albert that the marshal did not want the two women to do it. No, this was perfect, this would work. He would prove to Red that the marshal could not protect her children. She will repel him, turn him out into the cold. She would need a man, one that would be there, one that could protect her and the children, and take them back to a proper life in St. Louis.

Albert Spenser got up out of bed and quietly walked down to the main reception. The clerk was sleeping on the smallest couch in the room. Albert snuck into the closet where an assortment of tools were stored. Taking a hammer and crowbar from the closet, Albert headed out the side door normally used by the workers of The Dodge House. Taking the back alleys to the Long Branch, he stopped only long enough to realize that the three men talking were drunk.

Albert Spenser arrived at the back stairs leading up to the family quarters of the Long Branch. Closed for the evening, the Long Branch was dark, much like most of Dodge City. This to him was perfect. Slowly moving up the stairs, he stopped several times and looked over the rail. When he was satisfied to the position he wanted, Albert began to loosen three of the steps. He took each one off carefully and then replaced them in their position, unsecured. With luck, today will be the day that one of the children, and he hoped it would be the unruly boy Johnny would fall.

Albert Spenser moved back down to the ground, and with some effort moved several barrels out, so that when the child fell, the barrels would hide them. He spotted a couple of boards laying behind the barrels, and what luck he found he had. One of the boards had several nails sticking out. Turning the board nail side up, he laid it carefully under the hole the boards would make. Slowly he made his way back to the Dodge House, replaced the tools and creeped up to his room. He would have no problem sleeping the rest of the night, and tomorrow, he would go and visit Red and her establishment.

Johnny woke up in a great mood. His pa approved of him going out with two friends to some target practice. Erik and Nels Carpenter where brothers whose father was a wood worker in town. Erik was his age, Nels was a few years older. Just outside of town was an area that many used for target practice with their rifles. Ruffling Matty's hair and grabbing both his gun belt and rifle, "Come on squirt. Let's go and get some breakfast."

Both boys hustled down the steps into the open bar area where the girls, Kitty and Matt were already sitting and eating. Johnny and Matty took their seats, Johnny propped his rifle along the wall. Maria set plates of eggs, potatoes and toast in front of them. "I want to thank you for letting me go and shoot pa." Johnny mentioned with a mouth full of food.

"I see you have your gun belt on." Matt inquired of his eldest son.

"Yes sir. We are going to practice both. The rifle for hunting and a revolver in case."

"In case what Johnny?" Lilly's voice piped up.

"To protect himself from the coyote that he made mad." Jessica replied

"That's silly Johnny. Don't make the coyote mad." Lilly said with as much authority as a six-year-old could mustard. This made everyone laugh. Once breakfast was over, dishes picked up, lunch pails and books picked up and kisses given to Kitty, Johnny and the younger two headed out the door and towards school.

When she gave her daddy a hug, Lilly whispered in his ear. "Make sure you kiss and hug mommy before you go to work. Girls like that." Matt whispered back to her that he would, even though he was a bit confused about why the young girl would say such a thing.

After Newly stopped and picked up Jessica, Kitty started up the stairs to the family quarters. "Matt, you be careful out there." He took a couple of large steps towards her and grabbed her. Twirling her around, Matt placed his arms around her waist and lifted her up. Kitty squealed, slapping his shoulder "What are you doing cowboy?"

Matt answered with a long passionate kiss and then slid Kitty down his body until her feet touched the ground. Taking one hand, he placed it on the back of her head, bringing it to his chest. She could hear his heartbeat, and it was racing as much as hers. "Doing what a wise six-year-old told me to do. To kiss and hug her mommy before I have to go to work."

"And does Lilly's daddy have to go to work?" Kitty's fingers began to play with his shirt's upper button.

Matt took a deep breath and ran his fingers through her hair. "Unfortunately, Lilly's daddy does need to go to work. I want to be home tonight for dinner."

She patted his chest, "The children and I would love that. Go to work and be home at 6:00"

Matt kissed her forehead and left the Long Branch. He headed over to his office to once again tackle the mounds of paperwork he had. Upon entering his office, he said good morning to the two men that was there, and they acknowledge him. Festus was pouring coffee and handed it to Matt. Dakota sat at the table in the middle of the room, going through the wanted posters.

"See anyone interesting?" Matt asked as he also thanked Festus for the coffee.

Dakota looked up at the marshal. "If Doc Adams had it his way, I would never go hunt any of them down."

Both Matt and Festus chuckled a bit. "What does that old scudder know. Wants you to plant daisies I betcha."

"He is against me bounty hunting; she is against me gambling." Dakota shrugged. "Oh marshal, when I went past the telegram office, Barney ran out and handed this to me. It's for you."

Matt took the telegraph and read it. "I will be right back Festus," he said over his shoulder as he left the office. Matt headed immediately over to the Dodge House and up to Spenser's room. Knocking on the door, Spenser sleepily call out "Who is it?", which Matt replied "Marshal Dillion."

Albert smiled to himself and then put on a serious look. He opened the door and looked up to the tall man. "What can I do for you Marshal?"

"I sent a telegraph to St. Louis about you, and I got a reply." He showed Albert the paper.

"Well, come in Marshal. What did it tell you? That I am an upstanding and respected citizen." Albert poured himself a whiskey and offered one to Matt, who refused the drink.

"Your home was burned down." Matt said flatly.

Albert attempted to act stunned, shock and surprised. "My home? What about my wife?"

"The telegram does not say anything about your wife. Do you have any idea why someone would burn down your home?"

Albert did not like the idea of his wife's body not found, but he could not let on. "Maybe Barbara did it. She threw me out like a dog. I left and came here, she might have burned the house down, to get even."

"Get even for what Spenser?" Matt tucked the telegram into his upper pocket and tucked his thumbs into his gun belt.

"For taking all our money."

Matt left the Dodge House not satisfied with Spenser's answers or his reaction. He knew that he needed to tell Kitty about the telegraph and Spenser's reaction, however a fight broke out in the Lady Gay. He went to take care of it, worried about what Spenser was up to and was not overly nice about the fight. Matt Dillion lost his temper and threatened to shut the saloon down. After many apologies and promises, Matt walked out and headed down to the Long Branch.

Albert Spenser put on his best outfit and headed out the door and down the steps. He was a bit excited to see his plan unfold, but it was way too early. With money in his wallet, a tingle in his groin and a desire to play the worried husband, he headed to the Long Branch for a game of poker. Entering the saloon, he spotted Kitty playing solitaire. Ordering a bottle of wine from Sam and two glasses, he headed over there.

"Care for a glass of wine?" he asked her. Kitty at first was startled but went back to her game. "A little bit early for wine." She spat out to him. "What are you doing back in my saloon?"

"One, to see your beautiful face, and two. Too play some cards."

"Dakota is running a card game right now. Go join it." She did not look up at him. Albert decided to leave her and the bottle of wine. 'Might as well go and join the game.' He thought to himself. When is reached to table, Dakota and two other men looked at him.

"What do you want Spenser?" Dakota demanded.

"To play cards, if my money is good."

"If it is real U.S. money, or gold. Fake money does not count. $50.00 to buy in."

Albert took a seat, pulled out the correct amount of money and started playing. He was actually winning most of the time and was enjoying himself. Several of the saloon girls come over, pushing drinks and flirting.

"Gentlemen, this is life. Women on our laps, drinks and cards in our hands and money flowing freely." He downed another whiskey and patted one of the girls backsides.

Matt meant to go to the Long Branch and talk to Kitty. It just seemed to be one thing after another that prevented him from doing that. Giving up and knowing the children would be home soon, he decided to finish up the paperwork so that he could have dinner with his family. He would talk to Kitty when they gone to their bedroom, and he wanted to talk to the twins. Matt buckled down with the reports. If everything worked out, he would be home a bit early and could spend the evening with his family.

Johnny was proud of himself. His target shooting was the best he ever done. Having a good time with his new friends, he reflected a minute about Dodge City and how he was beginning to feel comfortable here.

"Hey Johnny," Nels snapped him out of his daydreaming. "You're going to have to go if your to pick up Matty and Lilly from school." Nels was shorter than his brother Erik. Both men were lanky, dark brown hair and eyes. Their hands were callused from working in their fathers shop.

Johnny looked around for a moment, realized that he was behind the time. "Yea, thanks! Had a great time, but I need to go. I need to drop my rifle off at home. Don't want to have Miss Mercer make me write on the board."

Erik and Nels laughed at him as he took off towards the Long Branch. If he was quick, he had just enough time to put his rifle in his bedroom and then get to the school. Johnny knew that he shouldn't take the rifle through the bar area. It might cause problems, and he didn't want his ma to realize he was a bit late. He decided to go up the back stairs.

Johnny hit the stairs taking two at a time. When he stepped on the first board that Albert tampered with, his foot slid. "What the…" was all he could get out. He attempted to catch himself. He fell through the three boards, the sound of ribs cracking when his side hit the side of the staircase. His rifle dislodged from his right hand flew somewhere. He tried to stop his falling but was not successful. He dislocated his left shoulder attempting to hold on.

Johnny fell onto the ground hitting the board with three nails on his back. His head slammed into the ground, and he was knocked out. The three nails pierced his body, his back, buttocks and leg. Johnny laid there behind the barrels, out cold and bleeding.

Miss Mercer let the children out from their day of school. Some of her children took off to their homes, some family members were there to pick up the younger children. She knew that the Dillion children were not permitted to walk home. The marshal and Miss Kitty requested that she let them leave without a family member and so far, it was not a problem. Usually Johnny Dillion was here but today it seemed that no one came. Waiting about ten minutes, she called over to Tyler, one of the older children.

"Tyler," she motioned him away from the swings. Tyler came trotting over and stood before her. "Yes Miss Mercer?" Tyler asked.

"Tyler, no one has come for the Dillion children. I need you to run over to the Marshal's office for the marshal. If he is not there, he might be at the Long Branch. Please let their parents know that they will be in the schoolhouse waiting for them."

"Sure thing Miss Mercer." Tyler took off running towards the marshal's office.

Johnny laid there, and even though he was unconscious, it seemed that he could think to himself. He realized that he could not open his eyes, talk or move. This was strange to him. Did he die from the fall. He hurt so much he wanted to cry, but he couldn't. His whole left side hurt. Why was it on the left side? Being left-handed and having injuries on the left side would make his life impossible. His shoulder hurt, his back, buttocks and leg. Why did his butt hurt? Did he really fall and how? Nobody came, nobody. He tried to scream for help, but he was not sure he actually screamed. Slowly he fell into darkness, his mind stopped thinking. Johnny fell into a deep sleep praying that someone would find him.

Tyler ran as fast as he could. When he reached the marshal's office, he didn't knock but went straight in. Matt looked up as someone entered his office. Seeing Tyler caused the big man to stand up and go over to him.

"Marshal. Miss Mercer sent me. She has Matty and Lilly in the schoolhouse. No one came to walk them home."

Grabbing his hat and gun belt, Matt took off towards the schoolhouse with Tyler. He arrived and hoped that Johnny was just a bit late, and he had picked up the young ones. When he stepped into the schoolhouse and saw his young children, he knew something had happened. Johnny was not this irresponsible. Seeing their father, Matty and Lilly ran to him.

"Where's Johnny?" Matty asked. Lilly lifted her arms and Matt picked her up.

"I don't know but let's get you home. I am sure Maria has cookies ready for you." He looked at Miss Mercer. "Thank you for sending Tyler. I don't know where he is."

"I hope all is well marshal. He did bring his rifle to the school, and I asked him to not bring it. I hope that helps."

"It does, come on children." Matt put his hand on Matty's upper back, and the Dillions left to schoolhouse and head home. On his home, Festus Haggin saw Matt and the younger children. He headed over to them with a huge grin on his face.

"Well howdy Matthew, youngins. Been to school has you now?" Festus notice the look on Matt's face.

"Johnny didn't come for us. Pa had to come and get us." Matty pipped up

"Matthew?" Festus asked Matt.

"Festus, can you go over were the target area is. He went shooting with the Carpenter boys. If he is through, haul his backside home please.

"Sure thing. If he is there, he will be home with my boot up his backside." Festus took off towards the target area as fast as he could.

"Is Johnny in trouble daddy?" Lilly looked at her father.

"Maybe Lilly." Matt tried to sound calm for his daughter. He had a funny feeling creeping up his spine.

Matt and the young ones walked through the batwings of the saloon. Several customers looked up and a few waved their hands. Kitty was at the end of the bar, and when she saw Matt and the children, her stomach fell. "Sam, could you please fetch Maria for me."

"Yes, Miss Kitty." Sam headed towards the kitchen for Maria.

"Matty, Lilly." Kitty attempted to put a smile on her face as she bent down to give them hugs. She looked up into Matt's eyes. "Johnny?"

Matt shook his head. Helping her to stand up he captured her eyes. "He did not show up."

At the poker table, Albert smiled and excused himself. His plan must have worked, so now he need to be there for comfort and of course to offer his services.

"Matty, Lilly! I have been waiting to visit you." He looked at the faces of Kitty and Matt. Continuing the game, he change his face to one of concern. "Marshal, Red. Problem?"

Lilly cling tighter to her father. Matty, attempting to show that he was not afraid and strong, stood in front of his mother. Kitty took Lilly from Matt and placed her hand on Matty's shoulder. Guiding the young ones away from the area for protection, she worried about Matt confronting Albert.

Dakota stopped the game and stood up. Moving his coat behind this gun belt, he placed his hand on the pistol. Several of the patrons stood up, showing that they were there to support and help the marshal.

"Johnny seems to have forgotten about the children. Something must of hold him up. Do you have any idea as to this?" Matt squared off with Albert.

Albert did not need to show fear as a game. He was afraid of the marshal, but he could not show it. "No, Marshal. After you came and talked to me, I got dress, had breakfast and have been here all-day gambling.

Matt's hands balled up and he took a step towards the man. For one moment he forgot he was a U.S. Marshall. He was a husband and a father, and this man was a threat to the happiness he had come to love. No one was going to take this away from him. Before he could do anything, Festus came through the batwings.

"Matthew," Festus came up to his side. "Don't waste yours breathe on this hound dog." He placed a hand on Matt's arm. When he saw Dakota, he nodded his head towards Albert. "Boy, can you take his vermin outside?

Dakota grabbed his rifle, "With pleasure deputy." He walked over to Albert, "You heard the man, outside with you."

"Keep an eyeball on him" Festus stated, and Dakota nodded.

Maria and Sam enter the bar area, Sam moved to behind the bar and Maria came to Kitty's side.

"Take them upstairs and don't leave their side. I will be up in a minute."

"Yes ma'am. Come on you two. Cookies and milk are waiting, and I am sure you have some schoolwork to attend to." Maria escorted the children up to the parlor.

Festus turned towards Matt and Kitty went to his side. "He was not down there Matt. I didn't see no struggle tracks. I bump into the Carpenter boy Erik. He said Johnny left a while ago to get the children. I sent him to get Newly.

Matt looked around the room. "Kitty check upstairs to see if he is in his room."

"Matt?" Kitty put her hand on his arm.

"Go on Kitty. I promise to find him."

"Do you think he might be hurt?"

"I don't know Kitty; I just don't know." Matt's voice had more worry in it then she had ever heard.

Johnny woke up, or at least he thought he had. His head hurt, but he knew he had to hang on, he had to live. His brain started to think, and his brain was hurting. He could not move, could not open his eyes, could not speak. When will he be found?

TBC

Chapter Four: The Hunt for Johnny

Dakota Smith was not happy walking Albert Spenser back to the Dodge House. In fact, his mind played many different scenarios of eliminating the worthless moron. The thought of taking him out into the dessert and burying him up to his neck in the sand, pouring honey over his head and leaving him, played out more than once. When they got to the Dodge House, he shoved Spenser inside roughly. Spenser of course protested, but Dakota did not care. Walking up to the desk to retrieve Spenser's room key, the clerk was a bit suspicious.

"The marshal wants Mr. Spenser to remain in his room until he can come and 'properly' question him. Seems the marshal's eldest son gone missing and this yahoo is prime suspect."

"Oh, I see. Here you go Mr. Spenser." The clerk handed him the key.

"Go on Spenser, unless you need me to babysit you and tuck you into bed." Dakota sneered.

"You go to hell." Spenser stormed off. This was not what he expected. What he expected was to be on the hunt for the boy. Or to be comforting a certain red head.

"If he leaves, send word to me." Dakota tossed a 5.00 piece to the clerk who nodded and took the coin.

Back at the Long Branch, several people gathered to form search parties. Kitty came back down and told him that Johnny was not in his room, nor his gun was there. Doc Adams and Doc McTavish came from their office to the Long Branch wanting to join in the hunt. Matt told them that one should be here with Kitty and the other in the office. Sammatha stated that she would stay with Kitty and the children and Galen should be in the office. Erik Carpenter came in with his father and when questioned by Matt, Erik told him that Johnny left before he and Nels did. Thinking that perhaps Johnny tried some short cut and injured himself he sent several men towards that direction.

Newly and Festus awaited instructions. Jessica came and stood by them, watching her father in action. She found this interesting indeed, never seeing this side of her father. Newly took her hand and looked down into her eyes. "Don't worry Jess, we will find your brother."

"I know. The love this town have for my parents is out sounding. I never seen my father so organized, so commanding." Jessica watched as teams of two went out different directions in search for her twin. Sitting down at one of the tables, she attempted to be brave and not shed any tears. Newly saw a tear slide down her cheek and he sat beside her, wiped the tear from her cheek and whispered soft words that no one could hear. Jessica nodded her head several times and then went into his arms, crying hard. Kitty came over to comfort her daughter.

Newly looked to Kitty. "I want to take off with Festus, but I don't want to leave her like this,"

"I know. I will be here with her. Go on Newly, go find my son." Kitty sat on the opposite side of Jessica.

Jessica somewhat gathered herself and let go of Newly. "Bring him back" was all she could say. Newly replied with a 'yes ma'am' and went off with Festus in the direction that Matt assigned them.

Louie Pheeters woke up sober to a point, seeking a drink and some food. He had fallen asleep just outside the town in a grove of bushes. He and several of his friends downed many bottles of whiskey and corn mash. His mouth was dry and lips a bit cracked. Knowing that Sam usually left hidden a bottle of whiskey with one of two swallows in it for him at the back of the Long Branch. It's hiding place was only known to him and Sam. Heading the backway to the Long Branch, he thought that he had heard someone calling for Johnny Dillion. Continuing on his path, Louie would check it out, once he had a drink or two, and perhaps a sandwich from Miss Kitty.

Johnny laid there motionless. Was it minutes, hours, days. He heard his name, he tried to call out. He went to move, but his body was not listening. It was dark, was it because he could not open his eyes, or was it nighttime. What was Maria cooking for dinner, was he even hungry. What happened, why was he here. God will anyone come. Sleepy, needed to sleep. Perhaps tomorrow will hold the answers.

Louie walked down the back alley towards the back stairs of the Long Branch. Spotting what seemed to be the handle of a rifle, Louie bent down and picked it up. As he was standing back up, he noticed the rest of the rifle. Picking that up also, Louie wondered who would throw it away. Since he did not know who would discard such an item, perhaps Newly would buy it off of him. In a few more steps, Louie noticed that the barrels normally up against the backwall was out a bit. While this was odd, Louie figured that Miss Kitty had her reasons. Looking into the barrel that Sam normally put a bottle, Louie was not disappointed. He took the bottle, unplugged it, lifted it up and drank part of it. Moving over to the steps, he sat down and finished the last of the whiskey.

As he sat there, Louie heard Johnny's name once again being shouted out. So, he looked around and then he looked up the stairs, debating if he should knock on the door and let Johnny know someone was looking for him. Then he saw it, three steps missing. Wondering, he went up to explore this. Why would there be three steps missing. He turned around to go back down and stopped. There was someone on the ground, behind the barrels.

"Oh my", Louie went to the person and recognized Johnny Dillion. He was laying on a board, some blood pooled around him. The boy also was unconscious, and his shoulder was swollen up. "Need to find the Marshal or Doc." Louie took off towards the front of the Long Branch. Newly and Festus were walking towards the east side of Dodge when Louie came running out of the back alley. "Newly, Festus". The man run up to them.

"Not now Louie, looking for a youngin." Festus took the upper arms of Louie. At times, Festus felt sorry for the old man. Today is not the day.

"You are looking for the marshal's boy. I know where he is, and he is hurt really bad." Louie pointed towards the back of the Long Branch. "That boy need's Doc."

"Festus, go fetch Doc and the Marshal. Louie, show me where Johnny is." Newly followed Louie to the back of the saloon, while Festus scurried towards the bar area.

Festus burst through the Long Branch, "Matthew, Doc. Louie found him behind the Long Branch. Says he's hurt really bad." Matt took off through the backway of the building, with Kitty and Doc not too far behind.

Dakota was on his way back when he saw the interaction between Louie and the two deputies. He watched Festus head into the bar and Newly followed Louie to the alleyway. He chose to take off after Newly. When he reached Newly, the deputy was busy pulling and tossing the barrels to the other side. He immediately went to help, seeing the young boy on the ground.

"I have this, you get to him." He yelled to Newly, who went down on his knees to tend to Johnny. The back door opened, and Matt, Kitty and Doc came rushing out. Matt looked both left and right. When he saw Dakota tossing a barrel, he went that direction. Kitty followed along with Doc. Matt stopped and shallowed when he saw his son laying on the ground, not moving. Kitty came up beside him and gasped, grabbing Matt's arm, steadying herself. Doc brought up the rear and went next to Newly.

"He's still breathing Doc. The board looks attached to him." Newly informed Doc, but loud enough for Matt and Kitty to hear.

Doc looked over Johnny, a worried look on his face. "Dakota, run up and tell Sammatha to prepare for surgery. We need the stretcher for Johnny, grab that please."

"Yes Sir." Dakota took off and headed to Doc's office, taking the stairs two at a time. Rushing through the door, "Doc Sam!", he shouted as he grabbed the stretcher. Sammatha came out of the back room, "Did they find him?"

"Yes, Doc said to get ready for surgery. Do you need me to lift the pail of water onto the stove?"

"Please Dakota. Let Galen know that I will be ready." She opened the door for Dakota, stopping him long enough to ask about him. "How bad is it Kota."

"It's bad." He looked at her. "It seems bad." And he left, heading down the stairs and back to the location where the boy laid.

Doc Adams instructed Matt, Newly, Festus and Dakota how to move Johnny unto the stretcher. The men slowly lifted the stretcher and carried it all the way to Doc's office. Once inside, they laid the boy, now on his stomach on the table that Doc uses for surgery and other exams. Taking the rods out of both sides, Festus and Dakota stepped away from the table. Realizing that it would be crowded in the office, especially when Matt, Kitty and Jessica showed up and decided to go and investigate the scene. The three Dillions stood back watching Doc Adams, Doc Sam and Newly work carefully and diligently on the boy. Removing his boots and gun belt, cutting away clothing and examining how the board was attached, Doc Adams planned. Newly slowly lifted the board first from his leg, and as blood started to squirt, Doc Sam applied pressure on the wound.

"The board Newly, let me clean this wound out and place a few stitches in it."

"Yes Doc" Newly replied holding the board tightly. "He doesn't seem to feel any of this" he said quietly to the Doctors.

"He might be in a deep sleep." Doc Sam spoked evenly.

Hearing this, Jessica looked to her mother. "Do you know what they mean by 'deep sleep'?"

"I believe it is a coma. Where the person is alive, but not awake." Kitty laid her head down on Matt's arm.

The procedure continued, and after a few hours the doctors were done. Once the board was taken off Johnny, Newly handed it to Matt for him to exam. Doc Adams then moved to the back of Johnny's head. Doc had to shaved part of his hair and then feeling around, shook his head. "Matt, Kitty. He has a fracture in his head. That might be causing the coma." Doc Sam began to stitch the wound on the back of Johnny's head.

"Matt, we need to turn Johnny over. Can you help Newly turn him on his back. Be careful with his head and neck. I will get the feet; we need to watch his lower back." Carefully turning the young boy over, Doc looked up to Newly. "It would be easier for you to put his shoulder in. Matt, hold his head still."

Newly nodded and with a shift push and tug, the arm went back in the socket with a loud popping sound that sent shivers up both Kitty's and Jessica's spine. When Doc was done with everything that he could do for him, he covered him with a blanket.

"I don't know if he could hear you, but words from familiar voices might just help him." Doc replaced his spectacles into their case and went to sit down. Doc Sam brought over a cup of coffee to him and ran her hand through his graying hair. "He will live Galen," she said softly.

Matt and Kitty went over to their son, Kitty ran her fingers through his hair. "Pa and I are here Johnny. So isn't your sister Jessica. We love you son; you need to wake up."

While surgery on Johnny had been going on, Dakota and Festus went to the back stairs. Festus went up the stairs to the missing ones and looked over the scene. Dakota moved to where Johnny was found and laid down on the ground, first one his stomach, and then on his back.

"What in tarnation are you doing boy?" He called down to him.

"Looking." Dakota said. "I wanted to see if he just fell, or if it was an accident. That type of thing. From here, someone knew what they were doing. This looks set-up to me."

"These here steps was tampered with. Some coyote took the steps off, sees these here scrape marks. I bets on my Aunt Muriel's bloomers that a crowbar did it."

Dakota sat up, found a few more boards with nails in them. "Seems someone took a chance here with the boards." He whistled. "Johnny was luck, could be worst."

Festus and Dakota went into the bar, night was setting in and tracking would been rough. Moving to the bar, Dakota ordered two beers. "Any word?" Sam would ask the men.

"Someone tried to kill a Dillion." Dakota grumbled. "Tomorrow we will look for tracks. Sam, is Albert in here regularly?"

"He comes in, looks for Miss Kitty, sometimes drinks, sometimes gambles. If she isn't here, he leaves. If he comes in, she leaves." Sam informed them.

Up in Doc's office, Jessica did not approach her brother, she just couldn't do it. Newly walked over to her and put his arm around her shoulders. "He should hear your voice, Jessica."

"I know." She took a deep breath and slowly approached her brother. "What have you gone and done Johnny. I wish you would walk up so that I could yell at you." This remark did bring in a slight laugh from the others in the room.

Sometime later, Festus and Dakota entered the room quietly. Matt walked over to the men. "It was definitely set up to hurt or kill one of you." Dakota spoke low to Matt.

"How's the taterbug doing Matthew."

"He is in a coma Festus. Do you think Spenser did this?" Matt asked.

"I would bet the farm on it." Dakota replied. He looked over to the table and saw a pale Johnny. Moving over to the table, he looked down at the boy. "Doc, he can't stay here, won't be comfortable. If you want, we can move him into my room. I can sleep out here."

"Are you sure son?" Doc pulled on his ear.

"Yeah, I can even take a shift watching him, so you two can sleep."

Doc evidential made everyone leave. "No sense watching a sleeping boy. If there are changes, I will send Dakota over." Kitty was about to protest, Doc stopped her. "Young lady, you need rest, Matty and Lilly to look after, and poor Jessica needs to step away. Newly, take her back home. Matt, take Kitty. Festus just leave."

Newly took Jessica by the arm and led her out of the office and down the stairs. He slowly walked her towards the Long Branch. In front of the Long Branch sat two chairs, Jessica took a seat and Newly sat beside her. The evening sky showed a slight red tinge to it, the sounds of patrons waffled outside, the smell of rain coming teased their noses. Placing her hands on her lap, she stared off into the sky. Newly placed his hand on her upper back, rubbing in circles trying his best to comfort her.

"I have been by his side since our first breathe. I don't know what I will do if he doesn't make it."

"He is tough Jessy. You have to believe that."

"I know. I have to believe, not just for me, but for the younger two. Matty worships him and Lilly adores him. He doesn't realize that he is so wrapped around her finger." A slight chuckle will escape her lips.

Newly chuckled also, "Oh I know. I have watched her."

"Newly?"

"Yes?"

"I know it was my uncle. I am scared of him in many ways. Will you be here with me?"

"Every step of the way." Newly hugged her.

Matt and Kitty walked to the Long Branch, his arm around her shoulders, hers around his waist. Many thoughts went through their minds. Kitty knew she had to put on a brave face for her two younger children. As they walked towards the saloon, they watched the interaction between their oldest and the gunsmith.

"Should I be worried about them?" Matt looked down at her.

"No, they are good together. Newly will take it slow, and she doesn't want to rush anything."

Stopping by Newly and Jessica, Matt reached out and touched his daughter's face. "Don't be out late Jessica. We are going to tuck the young one's in. Newly, watch over her."

Standing, Newly extended his hand which Matt took. "I will marshal. I will do my best to make sure she is taken care of. All of your family."

Matt and Newly shook hands and then he and Kitty went into the Long Branch. When they entered, the room became silent, all eyes looking at them. "Johnny is alive, badly hurt." Matt announced to the room. The patrons nodded, said words of encouragement and went back to their cards or the ladies of Long Branch, just at a bit quieter. Kitty walked over to the bar and Sam came up to her.

"Sam, make last call please. I don't want to deal with the noise tonight."

"Yes, Miss Kitty. I will make sure everything is in order. You take care of your family, and I will take care of the saloon. I pray Johnny will be alright."

"Thank you, Sam.," She reached out and placed her hand on his arm patting it. Matt came over and placed his hands on her shoulder.

"Sam, Jessica is still outside with Newly. I am going to take Kitty upstairs."

"I will see to it that she is in Marshal."

Upstairs in Doc's office, Johnny Dillion was resting in Dakota's room. Sitting in the overstuffed chair, Doctor Sammatha McTavish watched over the boy. When the door opened slowly and Dakota's head peeked in. She waved him to come in.

"I just wanted to get a couple of things." He said quietly, standing over the bed looking down at Johnny. He turned to her, "I can stay here and watch over him. You should go and get some sleep. If anything happens, I will come and get you or Doc."

"Are you sure Kota? You were so kind to give up your room for him."

Dakota felt his face blush a bit. "It was nothing." He pushed his hands into his pockets. "Do you think he will wake up?"

"Galen and I hope so." She stood up and went over to him. "Thank you for watching him. I am a bit tired." Her hand reached up and patted his face and then she left the room. Dakota touched his face where her hand was. The feeling he was starting to have confused him. Was this what having a mother was like, having a family. He shook it off and changed into the cut of pants and sleeveless shirt he wore to bed. Plopping down into the chair, he closed his eyes slightly as he watched over Johnny.

Kitty went upstairs, washed her face removing the face paint. She removed her clothing and sat before the vanity. Slowly she took out the hair pins that held her hair up and in place. Taking the brush in her hand, she began to brush her hair. She stared at her face in the mirror, noticing the lines around her eyes. Freckles that she hated dotted her face, and there was a weariness in her eyes. Matt had gone to make sure Matty and Lilly were tucked in bed. She wanted to go, but she knew she would break down when she tucked them in. Matt reassured her that it was alright, and he would take care of it.

Matt hid his anger the best he could. He knew he needed to be calm around the younger ones. In the morning, he will deal with Albert, and either the man would leave his family alone, or he would be just 'gone'. Entering the boys room, Matty was already up in his bunk. Matt went over to him. "Johnny is alive Matty, just very hurt."

"Why did someone hurt him pa?" Matty looked to his father. "Was it Uncle Albert? He never did like him."

"I don't know, and it is to late tonight to find out why. How about you get some sleep and tomorrow if grandpa says it is alright, we will go visit him."

"Goodnight pa. Give mother a kiss and hug from me."

Matt rubbed his hair, "I will son." Matt left the boys room and went into the girls room. Lilly looked up and saw her father. She ran over to him, and he lifted her up into his arms.

"Mama's sad, isn't she papa."

"Yes, mama is sad." He carried her over to her bed and tucked her in. "Johnny is badly hurt Lilly, so mama is very worried."

Lilly snuggled down with her doll. "Papa, mama's need to cry. Mama needs to cry, so let her cry. And papa's sometime need to cry. It's okay for boys to cry. Girl's like that." She kissed his cheek.

Matt left the girls room and went to his and Kitty's bedroom. He placed his hat on the peg and took off his gun belt. Stripping down to his union suit, he crawled into bed with her. She rolled over into his arms and started to cry. "I am sorry Matt," she sobbed. "I am trying to be strong, but I cant. I know it was Albert, it had to be Albert. God, I hate that man. I want him gone."

Matt held her tighter and let her cry. He felt tears run down his own face. They gripped each other, tears flowing for their son and Matt cursed slightly to himself. He was not going to let this man, or any man take away the woman he loved so much or the children they had.

Dakota stretched and stood up. He looked Johnny over, thankful that he was still breathing, and his breathing seemed to be steady. Dakota went out into the main room. He wanted some coffee. He placed the cold coffee onto the stove and stroke the fire. The doorknob to the office started to turn. He looked to the clock; it was 2:00 in the morning.

Dakota stood to his full height, realizing that he had no weapon on him. He waited, and when the door opened up, Albert Spenser walked in.

"What the hell are you doing here Spenser?" Dakota growled at him.

TBC

Chapter Five: Stories of Their Love

"What the hell are you doing here Spenser?" Dakota growled at him. Why was the door unlocked? Who leaves it unlocked? First, he thought it might be someone who needed medical care. The man before him was going to need medical care. "Answer me!" Dakota's voice went loud, his hands became fist.

"I came here to check on my nephew, boy." Spenser's voice got louder. Sounds of stirring came from the doctor's bedroom.

"You don't belong here." Dakota's voice leveled out, but firm. He took a step forward as Albert took a step back.

The door to the bedroom opened, and both doctors came out. When Doc saw the situation, he knew he had to diffuse it and quickly. Dakota may not have a weapon, but Doc fear that the boy would be the weapon. "Son, back down a bit. Sam, go check on Johnny. Spenser, this is not visiting hours."

The night clerk at the Dodge House watched as the man name Albert Spenser walked out. He knew the orders that was to run and inform Deputy Festus of his movements, especially if the man went outside. Toby, the night clerk followed the man who seemed to be in such a hurry. When Spenser started up the stairs, Toby immediately went to the marshal's office. Pounding on the door, he called out to the deputy who was sleeping restlessly on his cot.

"Hold your horses there, I'se coming." Festus called out to whoever was banging on the door. Grabbing his pistol from his gun belt that hung by his bed. He opened the door and looked at Toby. "Well? What's all the whooping and hollering 'bout?"

"I was told to come get you if that man Spenser left. Well, he left."

"And where did the varmint scamper off too?" Festus stepped outside looking around.

"Up to Doc's office." Toby quickly stepped aside as Festus ran towards the Doc's office wearing nothing but his union suit, pants and socks.

Doctor Sammatha entered the bedroom to check on Johnny. His breathing was normal, no fever was happening, and the wounds were not seeping or bleeding. She straightened the bed up, tidied the room a bit, and went to the door. Her hand on the knob, she was going to go back out. She knew the men in her life would be upset, so she listened to voices, and hoped she would not be listening to a fight.

"I just wanted to check on the boy." Declared Albert. "It is ridiculous that I can't leave the Dodge House."

"Look here Spenser, Matt Dillion wants to talk to you about the accident and what you know it." Doc wiggled a finger towards Spenser. "My patient needs quiet and rest, not visitors and certainly not this time of night."

Albert took a step towards Doc, forgetting all about Dakota standing there. "Look old man, who is my nephew in there. I want to make sure he is alive, and not dead. Knowing the marshal, the boy was killed and y'all are hiding his body." Albert had raised his finger up to Doc in response to Doc's finger up.

Dakota seeing this action from Spenser and immediately stepped between them while words were being said and fingers were pointing. This did not sit well with either man as each man protested loudly.

"Get out of the way Dakota." Shouted Doc.

"Boy, get out of my way." Shouted Albert.

The very next thing Dakota knew, Albert was swinging at him, and Doc grabbed him from behind attempting to get him out of the way. Dakota was able to balance himself against Doc's pulling and ducking the swing Albert threw. Deciding the best thing to do would be to shove Spenser against the door, and then grab him and toss Spenser out of the office and down the stairs. Dakota stood back up and shoved Spenser hard. Losing balance, Albert stumbled backwards just as the door to the office opened up and Festus attempted to enter. Festus had hear the commotion on his way up, and being prepared for anything was able to stop himself from falling backwards while maintaining control on Spenser.

"What the hell," was all Albert could get out as Festus held a gun on him, and Dakota started walking towards him. Doc grabbed Dakota's shirt to stop him from advancing.

"Dakota, wait." Doc said patiently. "Festus, please get Mr. Spenser out of here before he gets himself killed."

"He deserves to die." Dakota said furiously.

Sammatha McTavish had heard enough and opened the door. She stepped out and closed the door behind her. "Dakota, which is enough of that type of talk. Deputy, escort this man out of my office please."

"Yes ma'am, I be right pleasured to do that. Come on Spenser, there's a cot with youse name on it. Has a nice cell to go with that."

"Wait, your arresting me Deputy."

"Recommend I just do that, soos we all sleep" Festus shoved the man down the steps while Sammatha shut the door behind them and turned to look at the two men in her life. This was not how the evening was to go and both men looked angry. Just who they were angry at, she did not know, nor did she care. Albert Spenser needed to leave Dodge and never come back. He was now affecting her immediate family, not to mention the extended family.

"Son, you are not planning on doing anything stupid now are you?" Doc tilted his head, rubbing his mustache with his right hand and attempted to look at Dakota in the eyes. Dakota did not look up nor reply. "I want to make something clear Dakota. That was dangerous what you did, stepping in front of me. I did have a handle on it."

"You didn't have a handle on it Doc. He forgot about me, and he would have hit you. Then what, would he have tried to kill you? And why is the door unlocked." Dakota through his hands up in the air.

"Dakota, I have been threatened by better than Spenser, kidnapped so many times by bad guys, I just leave it unlock. Makes it easier." Doc reached up and placed his hand on Dakota's upper arm.

"Make what easier? To die on her, to die on me?" Dakota could not stop the tear from going down his face. Angry at himself for showing weakness, he turned and went outside. Stomping down the stairs he stopped and plopped down on the bottom step. Doc went to go after him, but Sammatha stopped him.

"Galen, stop. Let him go." She took his arm in her hand. "He is angry, hurt, and I think dealing with memories he don't want to deal with."

"Sam, it dark out there. And he isn't exactly dress to be out there this late." Doc's voice sounded concerned.

"He has survived much more than being a bit cold. Galen, you might be the most singular important person in that boy's life, and he doesn't want to lose you. I don't want to lose you." Sammatha laid her head on his shoulder. "I remember a time you thought you would lose me, and you didn't because you didn't give up. Don't give up on him Galen. I think too many people have given up on him."

"Your right honey, as aways. I like arguing with Festus. I can win with him." Galen smiled and kissed her forehead. "Is Johnny alright?"

"He's the same Galen. The family want to visit him tomorrow and that might be a good thing."

Doc nodded. "Let me go and put pants on and I will go and talk to him."

He kissed her and gave her a hug before she went back in to sit with the young Dillion. He put on his pants and then went outside. Spotting Dakota on the last step, he slowly walked down and took a seat one step above him.

"Doc."

"Dakota."

"Guess I blew it." Dakota hung his head. "I will pack in a few hours."

"Are you leaving son?" Doc looked concerned.

"Aren't you here to throw me out?" Dakota seemed confused.

Doc laugh slightly, "And suffer her wraith. No sir, I am not throwing you out. That would seem more like throwing you away, and I have no intention of doing that nonsense."

"I don't understand. I threatened a man, in your home. I questioned why the door was unlocked." Dakota looked up at him.

Pulling on his ear he looked at the young man. "Let me tell you a story about a few citizens in this town. We are a family, several of us and we like a normal family. We love, we fight, we make up. Over at the Long Branch is a man who holds himself higher than a man should. He wants to make Dodge City a place to live and have a family, and by god he has done that. For everyone but himself. There is a red-headed woman that I love as a daughter, and she loves him more than anything."

"And he loves her", Dakota interjected.

"Yes, he does. So much so, that he told her his most precious secret and even I didn't know about it. Those children are now their world, and I am proud to be called their grandfather. Seems that young lady up there just might be a bit smitten with a certain gun smith. I remember when he joined this family, Dakota. He actually saved Kitty when he first met her, and now, he is in his own way, saving Kitty's daughter."

"He is a good man." Dakota nodded. "Seems to always be there willing to do what he needs to for the Dillions."

"Yes, he is. And up there is a woman that I thought I would never have. At first, we didn't necessarily get along. I wasn't prepared to accept a woman doctor, and now, I can't imagine life without her. I almost lost her, and that made me realize how much I loved her. She has or had an emptiness in her life that I could not fix. We couldn't seem to conceive a baby."

"Oh, I am sorry." Dakota looked up to the door. "You two love each other, and a baby would make a complete family. But you have Miss Kitty. She is like your daughter."

"Yes, she is. Kitty and I have a wonderful father/daughter relationship. Sammatha and Kitty have a great female relationship. Not a mother/daughter relationship."

"And where does Festus fit into this family?"

"Well, let's see." Rubbing his mustache, Doc looked at him. "You know, every family should have that crazy uncle that actually comes in and rescues the family at the right moment. That's Festus." Doc smiled.

Dakota looked at his hands and then played with the end strings of his cut off pants. "Do I have a place in this family Doc?"

"That woman up there. She calls you Kota, brushes and braids your hair. Worries about you and defends you. What do you think?"

"That maybe, like Kitty is your daughter, maybe, perhaps I don't know, like a son to her?" His voice sounded hopeful, but he did not have his hopes up that maybe he actually found a permanent home.

"No, that isn't right." Doc stated.

"Oh," Dakota knew it was too good to be true.

"I won't call you which is Sammatha's pet name for you. And I don't call you son because I am old and can't remember your name. So, try again."

Realization dawned on Dakota's face as he looked to the old man. "I fit into this family because I am both of yours."

"I think we should go inside. It's cold out here, Spenser is lock up, so we don't have to worry about that. Let's go and tell your ma that we are alright. What do you think son? Can we be alright?"

Dakota stood up and extended a hand to Doc. Once Doc stood, Dakota hugged him quickly. "Yes sir, we can tell her that."

When they entered the office, Sammatha came out of the side room and looked at her men. Doc had his mischievous smile on his face and went to wait for her by their bedroom door.

"Is everything alright between you two?" She asked of Doc

"Yes, it is Sammatha." Doc replied.

She looked at Dakota, "Did he tell you one of his stories."

"Yes, he did." Dakota grinned from ear to ear.

"I see. Which one?"

"A love story Ma. He told me a love story. Goodnight." Dakota kissed her on the cheek and then went into his room. Sammatha McTavish looked to her husband with tears forming in her eyes.

TBC

Chapter Six: Beginning of Their Love

Matt turned onto his side and looked at his woman. Kathleen Russel had to be the most beautiful woman in the world, at least in his world. His fingers traced along her face and down her body. He wanted to stay in bed with her, outside the world was calling him. Quietly he got out of their bed and in the big chair slept a 10-year-old boy. He thought about picking him up and putting him into his bunk. Matt decided to let his son sleep in the chair. Making sure that Matty had a blanket to keep warm, Matt pulled it up around him.

He picked up his clothes, gun belt and boots. In the next room that served mainly an office for him and Kitty, he laid his clothes down on his desk. He lit a match and touched the wick of the lantern. Light from the lantern sprang forward giving the room a slight glow. Putting on his clothing, Matt was anxious to speak to Spenser and to check on his son. He sat on the settee that was in the room to put on his boots, and then he smelled it. Her perfume. He looked up and there she stood. Her hair a mess, tear stains down her cheeks, the white nightgown that covered her down to her toes.

"Matt, the sun isn't even up. Did you know that Matty is in our room." Kitty leaned on the doorway watching her cowboy put on his boots.

Matt nodded, "I know. I think he was scared about Johnny and wanted to be near us." He slid the second boot on and stood up. "I want to get an early start today honey. I need to find out if Spenser was involved with Johnny's accident. I was going to see if we can bring the three children up to see their brother." Matt walked over to her, placing his hands on her back, wrapping her up in his arms. He kissed the top of her head and for a moment, let her perfume assault his senses. "Go back to bed Kitty. You need the rest. I will be back soon."

"Matt, I am going to keep Matty and Lilly home with me. I don't want to give him a chance."

"Alright. I will stop by the school or will send Festus to let the teacher know."

"Thank you." Before he left the room, she stopped him and stood on tiptoe, give him a passionate lingering kiss on his lips. "Please be careful."

Matt kissed her again and then left. He went down the steps and crossed the bar. Unlocking the front door, he stepped outside into the morning darkness. The marshal looked both directions of Center Street. No one was out yet, and he was glad. Gave him time to think, reflect and make decisions to his next steps.

Matt crossed the deserted street and headed to his office. He wanted to talk to Festus and have a cup of coffee. He also hope that the sheriff of St. Louis sent a telegram about Spenser and past marriages. Entering the office, he will hear Festus fuss with a prisoner. A drunk most likely sobering up.

"You go on and shut your yapper. Ise tired of your jawing." Festus sounded tired and angry.

"Let me out Deputy. You don't have any right locking me up." The voice sounded familiar to Matt. He took a few long strides across the room to the cell area. Locked up in one the cells was Albert Spenser.

"Youse going to stay put until the Marshal arrives." Festus turned to leave the cells and saw the marshal standing in the doorway. "Matthew. Good morning." The hill man looked happy to see him.

"Morning Festus." Both men stepped out into the office, Festus shutting the door behind him. "Why is Spenser in the cell? What did he do?" Matt poured two cups of coffee and handed one to Festus.

"The scoundrel think that 2 in the morning was visiting hours at ole Doc's place. He says he was just itching to know how the boy was. Dakota stood up to him and shoved him straight into my arms. So, I decided to toss the scoundrel in a cell."

Matt nodded to Festus, opened the door to the cells, and went straight to Spenser's cell. The men looked at each other as to size them up. "Your deputy had no right to lock me up." Albert demand an answer.

"There was no reason for you to be at Doc's that early in the morning." Matt replied back. "I want to talk to you about the accident."

"What about it?" Albert was now interested in any information that might come from the marshal. "Was my nephew hurt bad?"

"What do you know about the boards on the steps?"

"Nothing marshal, other than what is being said out there. Some boards were loose, and he fell. How is Red and Jessica taking it. I bet Red need a lot of tender care right now."

Matt controlled his anger towards this man. "Any clue as to why those steps."

Settling back into his cot, Albert felt that he had the Marshal right where he wanted. "Dillion, I am sure you made your share of enemies. Now, your vulnerabilities are more with acknowledging your woman and four children. Perhaps it was done by someone who hates you. Every thought about that Marshal. I think you should let me out so I can take care of Red like she needs."

"Don't worry about her, Spenser. Russell-Dillion women are strong. If I can prove that you did this, I will see that you rot in prison. Stay away from my family." Matt left the cell area, Albert yelled for Matt to let him out.

"Festus, let him out tonight. I have to let the school know that Matty and Lilly won't be there today. Any telegrams from St. Louis?"

"No Matthew. Iffn, one comes, I get it to you quicker than a rabbit running from a fox."

"Thanks Festus. I will be around, but I need you to watch over the town. Kitty and I are going to take the children over to see Johnny."

"Don't you fret none. Youse take care of the family and Ise will take care of Dodge."

Matt went down to the schoolhouse and spoke with the children's schoolteacher, Miss Mercer. Understanding the situation the Dillions were facing, "I shall fix up a packet of schoolwork for the rest of the week Marshal. It might be better if they stayed close to you and Miss Kitty. I will have Tommy run it over to her later today."

"Thank you, Miss Mercer. I am going to have my deputies stop by and see if everything is alright. I don't think you and the children will have a problem, but I rather be prepared than not."

After talking with Miss Mercer for a few minutes, Matt walked down the boardwalk towards the Long Branch. Stopping by Jonas' store and picked up some candy for Kitty and the children. As his little one keeps telling him, 'girls like that'.

Kitty had spent the morning with the children. They made cookies, took a walk with Newly escorting them to the small park Dodge had. She was a tad surprised that she didn't miss the Long Branch. While walking back to the Long Branch, they were stopped many times congratulating her and the Marshal. Only Mrs. Pritcher mentioned their marriage status and how horrible for the children living above the saloon. Kitty was visibly upset about it, but she maintained a cool exterior. Jessica wanted to step up and say something, Kitty stopped her. And then out of the mouth of babes, Lilly spoke up.

"Why are you so mean to my mama?" Lilly blurted out. "She loves us and takes good care of us."

Kitty was appalled by her youngest. She grabbed the young girl and put a hand over her mouth. "Mrs. Pritcher, I am sorry she spoked out. Matt and I have been working on it."

"I do not know what you would expect, raising them above a saloon. Men chasing after women, drunken and foul language." Mrs. Pricher continued.

Lilly attempted to squirm from her mother and Matty, feeling that he is the 'man' of the house squared himself up. "Mrs. Pritcher. I would ask kindly that you not attack our family. We are happy, well fed and groomed. We know our parents love us and want the best for us. Our father is the marshal here and his work is making it safe, while our mother is a successful business owner. I would ask you kindly to not insult the Dillion name and let us go on our way."

Kitty looked to her youngest son and smiled. Matty was trying to grow up, forgetting that he was still at child. She watched as Mrs. Pritcher sputter at Matty's words. "Come children, we must not keep your father waiting. Good day Mrs. Pritcher." Kitty took Lilly's hand and warn her not to say a word, guided her family pass Mrs. Pritcher and towards the Long Branch.

Waiting for his family, Matt stood at the bar talking to Sam. Mostly it was chit-chat, some of it was about the events in Dodge, some about Johnny's condition.

"Miss Kitty sure seems happier Marshal."

"Yes Sam, she sure does. I was worried that it would not work out, but it seems to be working. Other than what happened to Johnny."

"Any idea who might have done this?" Sam inquired.

"Yes, but nothing I can prove." Matt sighed. "Keep an eye out will you Sam."

"Always Marshal. Anything you need, you let me know. Some people just don't understand happiness, and well, are right down evil."

Kitty entered the Long Branch and walked over to the two men. "And what are you two up to?"

"Kitty, where are the children", Matt looked around. "They are not outside by themselves, are they?"

"Oh, Matt. You know I wouldn't do that. Newly is with them. We are ready to go see Johnny. I will be back in a bit Sam."

"Yes, Miss Kitty." Sam leaned over to her, "Don't be too hard on him, I have never seen him so worried."

"I know Sam, just trying to get things back to normal." She patted his arm.

On the way up, Kitty told Matt about their encounter with Mrs. Pitcher and how Lilly and Matty reacted. He smiled at her, "Well, seems we have a couple of tigers on our hands."

"I suppose so. Mrs. Pritcher is just a busy body who isn't happy with her life." Kitty stopped at the stairs and looked up. "Would it be too much for him to wake up." Her voice was low, soft and sad.

His put his hand in the small of her back. "Come on. Everybody has to be quiet now. Newly, stay out here. I know he is in jail, but if the attack wasn't done by him, then whoever did it is still out there."

"No problem, Marshal. I will keep an eye peeled watching as Festus would say."

The Dillions walked up the stairs and enter the office. Doc Adams and Doc Sam smiled when they entered. "Well Dillions, nice to see all of you."

"How is he Doc?" Matt spoked out.

"Everything seems to be healing fine Matt. He still is unconscious. I am hoping that you all with just talk to him, tell stories, anything to stimulate his brain and maybe he will come around."

Kitty opened the door to the room that Johnny was in. Matt went and looked at his son. He then took a seat in the chair beside the bed. Jessica went over to the bed, and then laid carefully laid down beside him. She took his hand in hers and started to hum softly to him. Kitty watched this interaction between the twins. She went and sat on the arm of the chair, leaning into Matt. Lilly and Matty went over to the bed and said hello to him. Then they went and sat on the floor in front of their parents.

"Grandpa said we should talk to him or tell stories." Matty spoke up.

"I don't know what to say", Lilly piped up.

"Can we have a story?" Matty suggested.

"What kind of story should we start with?" Matt asked the younger two.

"How did you meet Mama?" Lilly suggested.

"And was it love at first sight?" Jessica asked.

Matt and Kitty chuckled slightly. "Is that what you children want. Our love story?" Kitty will ask. All three of them stated their agreement to this. "Do you want your father's version or mine?" 'Both', the three of them piped up. "Alright. Matt, do you want me to go first, or you?"

"Well, you were already in the café, so why don't you go first." Matt rubbed her arm, his eyes smiled up to her.

KITTY'S STORY: "Let see, it was many years ago, fourteen I believe. I had left New Orleans to seek a better life. I was on my way to Denver, Colorado. I wanted a new life, one that didn't have the heat and humidity. One of the stops we made would be here in Dodge, however on our way here, by stage mind you, it was raining. The stage stopped and we got out, had an hour to eat. The driver wasn't sure if we could move on. So…here was Dodge, a small, dirty, muddy town with little to offer. I didn't have much money left, and I was hungry. Across the way was this small café, so I let the driver know that I was heading over there for a bit. And over I went across that muddy street in the rain. When I was seated, I ordered oatmeal, toast, and coffee. The food was alright, nothing to chat about. The coffee was hot and felt good in my belly. While I sat there, I watched everyone around me, including those that entered the café. Well, enter this older man, your grandfather, and this very tall man. The biggest, tallest man I ever did seen before."

Lilly piped up "papa".

KITTY'S STORY: "Yes, Lilly, papa. Only I did not know that then. Anyway, I couldn't take my eyes off of him. The two men went and sat down at a table across the way. I realized that he was looking my way, so I lowered my eyes, paying attention to my oatmeal.

MATT'S STORY: It was cold that morning, I remember getting up and looking out of the window. Rain, which we need, but makes for a cold day. I had only been marshal for about a year and today was going to be a long one. Putting on my slicker before I left, I swashed over to Doc's office. We usually had breakfast every day. We decided to eat at the café, they had good biscuits and gravy and good coffee. The streets were muddy, the rain coming down steadily, just not heavy and there wasn't many people on the streets. We got to the café and Grandpa of course bellyached all the way about everything. So, we entered, and I looked over the room, to make sure that there wasn't anyone I should worry about. And then I saw your mother, the prettiest woman I have ever laid eyes on. I stumbled over to the table, not really listening to what he had to say. Well, I ordered my usual and could barely eat. Umm, say that I couldn't always get the food unto my mouth. Every time I tried to catch her eyes; she would look away. I just wanted to see those sapphire blues. So, I got up and went over to introduce myself.

THEIR STORY:

Matt Dillion swallowed hard, did not excuse himself from Doc, and walked over to her table. Kitty Russell watched him get up and head towards her. She almost panic and then talked herself out of the panic. She saw the marshal badge on his shirt and figured he said hello to all new people. When he arrived at the table, she looked up to him and saw his blue eyes. They seemed to capture her immediately.

"Good Morning Miss." Matt started, "I am Matt Dillion, U.S. Marshal in these parts. Welcome to Dodge City."

"Good morning, Marshal. I am Kitty Russell. Would you, like to sit down?" Her voice was a bit nervous.

"Thank you." Matt took a seat across from her. "Are you just passing through?"

"Yes, on my way north to Denver."

The driver of the stagecoach walked in and went to another patron, before he came to her table. "Parden me, Marshal, Miss Russell. Miss Russell, we won't be leaving until morning. The stage would get stuck in this rain and mud. I will have your bags sent over to the Dodge House."

"Oh, I see. Thank you." Her voice was frustrated and a bit angry.

Watching the stagecoach driver leave, Matt waited for her to say something. He was memorized by her eyes and flaming red hair. "Is everything alright?"

"Yes, of course Marshal. Well, I don't know where the Dodge House is, and this is an unexpected expense."

"Call me Matt. I can escort you to the Dodge House. Their prices are reasonable."

"Thank you, Matt. That would be most helpful. Please call me Kitty." Matt stood up and placed a coin on the table.

"I hope you don't mind Doc tagging along. Let me grab my hat and Doc. Then we will get you settled down at the Dodge house."

MATT'S STORY: "After I got your grandfather and my hat, we walked out of the door and down the muddy boardwalk. I noticed that the bottom of her dress was getting all dirty. Your grandfather took a shine to her and was chatting up a storm with her. Then from down the street, Chester was running fast to me. Chester was a helper that I had at the time. Someday, I will tell you all about him. Anyway, here comes Chester, running towards me yelling 'Mr. Dillion'. When he got to me, he informed me that Bill Pense, the owner of the Long Branch was looking for me, that the boy Franklin was shooting up the place. I took off in a hurry to the Long Branch. Franklin was a kid for the most part, with a temper that was mean and wild. Chester took off with me, and Doc told Kitty to continue down the street to the Dodge House. Doc came after me, figuring I suppose that I would need a bullet taken out. Your mother ignore his orders and followed him. Once I got to the Long Branch, Franklin was nowhere to be seen. Stepping back outside, Chester and I looked around. No signs of Franklin, and there stood both Doc and Kitty. I wanted to ask her why she was here, but she looked so tired, scared and look like she might just break down and cry. Doc grabbed Chester and dragged him away a few steps. I told her that I would take her to the Dodge House and then go look for Franklin. I also told her I would get her for dinner. Taking her elbow, we started to walk down the boardwalk when it started to rain a bit harder. That is when she stopped me and told me that she apparently lost her hand purse with her money. I just looked down at her, and feeling a bit strange, I told her I would pay for tonight. It was right then that Franklin stepped out of the alleyway aiming his pistol at me. Afraid for your mother's life, I shoved her out of the way, a bit harder than I meant too. She tumbled into the street, I took a bullet in my side and Franklin took one to his heart. Chester and Doc ran up to me, Chester to Franklin, letting me know that he was dead. I looked for your mother, saw her on her backside in the mud, I immediately went to her. Helping her up, I could see that she was done with the day. I handed Chester my key to my private room. Only Chester, Doc and I knew where the room was."

"Wait, you had this Chester take her to your room. That wasn't the proper thing to do." Jessica lifted her head onto her hand, with her arm bent.

"Oh, your father wasn't thinking straight at the time." Kitty teased Matt a bit.

"Cause papa wasn't thinking since he was bleeding." Lilly nodded, feeling that she was right.

MATT'S STORY: "Alright, let me get back to the story. I told Chester to take her to my room, get her hot water for a bath. Her bags are over to at the Dodge House, to fetch them and bring them to my room. Chesters and Doc's eyes raised up a bit, then Doc realized I took a bullet. Before he could drag me up to his office, I told your mother to go with Chester, and to lock the door. Everything will be alright, and when I got back, we can plan for her stay in Dodge. I also told Chester to bring her some food later, in case I need to make a jail break from Doc's."

KITTY'S STORY: Your father startled me when he came over. After the stagecoach driver left and your father's offer to escort me to the Dodge House, we left the café with your grandfather. Now, your grandfather had many questions that I answered if I could. Questions about where I was from, where I was going, those kinds of questions. Then he was telling me all about Dodge City. On our way there, this young man who was running towards your father, calling out 'Mr. Dillion' caught up with us and informed your father about a ruckus going on at the Long Branch. He and Chester took off for the Long Branch and your Grandfather told me how to get to the Dodge House and he also took off, mumbling about bullets and the tall public servant. I can't explain why, but I decided to follow. And somewhere along the way, my purse came off of my belt. I didn't realize it until I caught up with them. Your father and Chester came out of the Long Branch and looked for the young man. Matt came over to me asking why I was there and when he found out about me losing my purse, he offered to pay for the room. I didn't want to take charity, but I wasn't sure if I couldn't. I was also afraid what all I would have to do to thank him. Next thing I knew, the young boy came out, challenged your father and I landed on the muddy street as I heard gunshots. Your father helped me up and then told Chester to take me to his room. I really didn't want to go, but the day was long and tiring. Grandpa took your father up to his office and Chester lead me to a room and let me in. Handing me the key, he told me he would fetch my bags and then bring hot water. I asked him if he would check on your father. I was concerned about him, and he stated that he would."

MATT'S STORY: Trusting Chester I went with Doc to the office. The bullet was in my side, just under the skin so it wasn't serious. Just hurt like crazy, and of course Doc made a big fuss about it. Two hours later, Chester came in to Doc's checking up on me. He did let me know that Kitty wanted to know also, and that touched me in a way I have never felt before. I told him that I would need my key back, because I was going to get out of there and sleep in my room. Both Chester and Doc sputtered at that, and I told them that she could have the bed, and I would put up a cot or sleep in the chair. Later Chester brought me the key and after much heated debate with your grandfather, I left and went to my room. Chester walked with me, to make sure I got there alright. He also was trying to talk me out of it, and either sleep at Doc's or the jail. He worried that if something were to happen, she could not find the Doc's office at night, and she shouldn't be roaming Dodge that late. It was midnight when I got there and after telling Chester to look after the town in the morning, said goodnight and went in. I was as quiet as I could be, and she was sound asleep in the chair. I stripped down to my union suit and pants, turned down the bed and went over to her. She was so beautiful, so tiny in my big chair. All she had was the thin blanket that was over the chair. I picked her up and carried her over to the bed and tucked her in. After I covered her, I put wood into the stove and went to sleep in the chair."

KITTY'S STORY: I woke up around 2 am in bed. I had no idea how I arrived there, then I heard a soft snore. Looking over at the chair sleeping was your father. I was appalled that he was able to get in and move me into bed. I knew that he really should be in bed, and I should sleep on the chair, I just wasn't sure if he knew it. I grab my robe and went over to him. It took a minute to get him up and over to the bed."

THEIR STORY:

"Marshal, the waist band looks to be rubbing your wound. You're wearing a union suit, take them off and get into bed."

"Matt, call me Matt and I am not sure about that. Would not be proper."

"Matt, so far none of this is 'proper'. Now take them off or I will." Kitty stood firm, hands on her hips.

He realized that he did not have a choice and took off his pants. The wound, not being rubbed, felt better. "Let me sleep in the chair at least." He tried to suppress the yawn that escaped.

She pushed on his chest and was satisfied when he plopped down. "Now, under the blankets with you." She started to pull the blanket up and he stopped her, grabbing the blanket himself. When he was under the blanket, stretched out and looking pain free for the most part, she started towards the chair.

"You don't have to sleep in the chair. There's room in the bed for you." His voice was deep, rich and soft. Kitty was not sure what is intention was. Men always try to have it all when it came to women, at least that was her experience. Still, the bed was more comfortable than the chair and with his wound, he would not be able to do much. She slowly came over to the bed, removed her robe and climbed into bed. He watched her and appreciated what he saw. Feeling her in bed with him almost felt too right. He laid there with his left arm behind his head and the other arm over his chest.

"Matt."

"Yes."

"Thank you for everything. If you want something…" her voice trailed off.

Matt thought for a moment, and it dawned on him what she was saying. He turned onto his side and looked at her. She turned on her side and looked into his eyes. "Kitty, you are a beautiful woman. I don't want you to think that I did this just to have sex with you. We both have had a miserable day. I need for you to be safe, and I know you want to be safe."

She thought on his words for a moment. "That boy, who shot you. He wasn't very old, was he?

"No. He was only 16." Matt's eyes looked sad and his voice weary.

"Does this happen often? You having to shoot and kill someone?

"Some weeks seem more than others. This town is still wild. The marshal's office sent me here, not only to tame the county, but to tame this town. There are those out there that want to keep it wild, or to kill me to make a name. Franklin lost his father a year ago and has been wild and angry. It was only a matter of time that this would happen."

Kitty reached out and took his hand. Despite her plans, she knew that she would stay here in Dodge. This man was a good and honorable man. She reached out and took his hand. "We need sleep Matt. You definitely need sleep. I am here for you, if you need me."

He looked at their hands together and then into her eyes. He felt he could bear his soul to her and that scared him. "Thank you, Kitty." He did not release her hand, closed his eyes and went to sleep.

Matt and Kitty looked at the children and smile. "I got a job at the Long Branch and moved in there. Your father and I became best friends and then a couple."

Weakly, a voice spoke out, "Jessy..." Johnny called out barely. "More story."

Kitty was up and over there. Jessy got out of bed and ran her hand through his hair. Matt told Matty to go get his grandparents.

Johnny slowly opened his eyes. Things were fuzzy and he had no clue where he was. He heard his father's voice and then Matty's. He saw his twin and his mother. "My head hurts."

Both doctors came in immediately and went over to the bed. "Alright, all of you, out. Give me and Sammatha room."

Kitty scooted her children out into the other room. "Jessica, Newly is outside still?"

"Yes mother."

"Have him escort you and the younger ones back home and ask him to stay there with you."

"Mother…" Jessica protest but seeing the look in her eyes relented. "Yes mother."

"Your father and I should be home soon and will give you three a full report." Kitty hugged each one of them. Jessica went to the door, spoked to Newly and the four of them went back to the Dillion's home above the Long Branch.

Meanwhile, in another part of Dodge City, news about the accident and news about the uncle being looked up caught the attention of William Colbert. This was the surprise break he needed. Heading down to the jail house, he noticed the group of four walking home. Smiling, he entered the jail house and greeted Festus.

"The marshal isn't here." Festus stated.

"That's alright Deputy. I have decided to take Albert Spenser's case. I just need to speak to my client. I can talk to the Marshal at a later time."

"His lawyer? Why in tarnation to youse want to do something stupid like that."

"I have rented an office and will be setting up a practice. I always like the underdog cases. Now, may I talk to my client?"

"I can't let him out, but youse can go through that there door. Theres a chair for youse to sit on."

"Thank you, Deputy." Colbert went through the door and looked at the man locked up. Spenser stood up and looked back at him. "Albert Spenser, I take it?"

"Yeah, who are you." Albert placed his hands on the bars.

"I am your lawyer sir." Colbert pulled up the chair closer to the cell.

"My lawyer?" Albert questioned.

"Yes, and soon your ally. We have a common enemy sir. One Marshal Matthew Dillion. He has taken both of our families away, and I believe if you're willing, we could take away his."

TBC

{Sorry for the delay. This chapter gave me more problems than I thought. I wrote it a couple of times and am happy with the outcome. Hopefully, I will be able to knock out chapters faster. One a day is my goal.}

Chapter Seven: The Courting Begins

When Kitty and Matt sent the children home, Jessica whispered to her father "Ask mother out for dinner. This has been hard on all of us. You deserve a nice dinner with her. I will take care of my siblings"

Doc Adams came out of the bedroom and looked at the worried parents. "Matt, Kitty. Sit down." He pointed to a couple of chairs. He sat at his desk, took off his glasses and rubbed his mustache. Matt held the chair for Kitty and then took a seat for himself.

"Johnny is fully awake." Doc can see the relief on their faces. "There are a few problems though."

"What kind of problems?" Matt asked as he put his arm on the back of Kitty's chair, rubbing her upper back.

"Well, first he doesn't remember the accident, or a bit before it. That is normal, he might not remember it at all, so he will have to deal with that."

"What else Doc?" Kitty asked looking at her surrogate father.

"His shoulder will be fine, just sore for a while. The wounds will heal nicely." Doc continued.

"What are you not saying Doc. As his parents, we have a right to know," demanded Matt.

Doc cleared his throat. "Johnny has no movement in his legs. He does have a lot of swelling in his lower back. I am hoping that once the swelling goes down, he has movement. I want to keep him here for a while."

Kitty nodded and looked down at her hands. Matt hugged her and then stood up. "Can we see him before we leave?", he asked

"Yes, of course. He might be asleep. He needs rest." Doc stood up and lead the two into the room.

Matt and Kitty followed Doc into the room and seeing their son awake, Kitty smiled. Standing at the end of the bed, "I am so glad you woke up Johnny."

"I want to go home." His voice was weak and then looking up at his father. "I failed you apparently pa. I wasn't careful enough."

"No more talk like that. I just want you to get better so that we can bring you home." Matt reassured his son.

Kitty went to his side. "I would love you to come home, but you have to heal more."

"I can't move my legs ma. What good am I? I can't help with Matty or Lilly." Tears formed in his eyes.

Kitty wiped his tears. "One day at a time son, one day at a time. You need to rest, and I am sure Jessica will be back up to see you, and others will come. You do what your grandparents tell you to do, and I will bring you lunch in a bit." She will hug her son, feeling the tears on her shoulder. "Everything will be alright Johnny. Your family is here for you. Just rest."

Matt patted his son's arm, "listen to your mother son. We will be back." He will place his hands on her shoulders and lead her out of the room. Once they were out in the main office, Kitty turned and went into his arms. A quiet sob came from her, a sob that had anger in it.

"I want him gone Matt. Make him gone. He wants to destroy our family, the children's happiness, our love."

"He won't destroy us Kitty. I promise you that. I will do my best to make him leave, but until we can prove something, my hands are tied."

"I know Matt," she collected herself. "Let's go check on our other children."

Matt and Kitty said goodbye to the doctors, who promised to send word if anything changed, good or bad. Slowly the two of them, hand in hand, walked down to the Long Branch. They stood outside the saloon and looked into each other's eyes.

"I have to go to work. I want to have a talk with Spenser." Matt reached up and touched her face. It dawn on him that he never would do this before, touching her public like this. Why did he wait so long.

"I thought you would. Will you be home for dinner."

"It depends." Matt smiled at her.

"Depends?" She questioned.

"Miss Russell?" He asked

A look of amusement crossed her face. What was he up too? "Yes, Marshal Dillion?"

"Would you do me the favor of having dinner with me tonight? I was thinking of the new Mexican restaurant 'Garcia'."

"Why Marshal, I would be most honored to have dinner with you. 7:00 pm sounds good to you?"

"That sounds excellent Miss Russell. I will pick you up at the bottom of the stairs promptly at 7."

Kitty laugh a bit. "Then I suppose you won't be home for dinner."

"No, please tell the children that I have very important plans." He will kiss her tenderly and then leave to go to his office. "Oh, if Newly is still with them, can you have him come to my office." He called out to her.

Dakota walked around town, wondering what to do with his life. Not that he loved being a bounty hunter, it was more like it was a profitable job. He did like to play poker and now was a dealer at the Long Branch. He knew that there must be more to life, he was not sure. His new parents had a life, one he really didn't fit in, and yet fit it. Life was weird like that. He decided to check the wanted posters and play a game of Checkers if Festus was up to it. Then he saw Colbert enter the marshal's office. He wondered what that was about. He entered the room, Festus looked up and smiled.

"Well, whatja doing here boy." Festus came around from the desk, looking a bit mad at the world.

"Something wrong hillman?" Dakota picked up the wanted posters from Matt's desk.

"Sure isz. That there Colbert says he is Spenser's court mouth."

"I see. He's back there talking to his client?"

"His what?" Festus was trying to think what the meaning of client was. "Said Colbert is back there jawing with Spenser."

"That you did deputy. I am going to borrow these and sit outside." Dakota stepped outside and then tucked the posters into his coat. Quietly, he walked around the building and ducked under the bars to listen.

"Just why would I want to throw in with you?" Spenser questioned with much doubt in his voice.

"Because we both need each other. You have the brawn, or recklessness that needs to be tamed and guided and I have the brains and the means to make both our wishes come true."

"I still don't see it." Spenser seemed confused. "If you are my lawyer, get me out of this damn place."

Rubbing his forehead with his left hand, Colbert continued. "Here is what you are going to do. You will remain in jail until the Circuit Judge arrives to oversee your trial."

"You want me to stay in jail? What kind of lawyer are you?" Shouted Spenser.

"Lower your voice Spenser. Want the knucklehead deputy to hear you. They really don't have anything on you that they can prove. We go to court, prove that you didn't do it, that this was in some retaliation against you. That they don't want you to be there for your nieces and nephews, and that the Marshal has some sort of vendetta towards you and your family. Afterall, they were taken from the only home that they knew, after he abandoned them when they were newborn."

"That's right, that's what he did. Just passed them off to my older sister and disappeared, other than showing up once in a while." Spenser's mind went 100 mph. Things were making sense to him. Show them how unfit the marshal and his woman were, how he was not really there. Destroy his reputation, he couldn't be marshal and she would leave that man for him.

"So, you stay here in jail, and I will do what I need to do. Don't say anything at all. Just act innocent. Can you do that?"

"Anything my lawyer says," Spenser tried his best innocent, confused face.

Dakota heard enough and scampered back to the front of the marshal's office taking out the wanted posters and sitting down on one of the chairs with his feet up on the hitching post. Seeing the marshal heading his way, he motioned him over. Matt seeing this, he went over to Dakota.

"Looking at wanted posters I see." Matt placed his right foot up on the boardwalk, his right arm around the support beam.

"Matt," Dakota started hopefully startling the marshal with the informality, "No matter what, you need to release Spenser in the next few minutes. I will explain in a bit."

Before Matt could reply, the door to the office open and Colbert along with Festus stepped out. Dakota stood up and looked to Matt and then turned his attention to the two men that departed the office.

"Colbert," Matt started.

"Marshal," he replied.

"Something I can help you with?"

"No marshal. Just came to talk with my client. I realize that he will be kept in his cell until the Circuit Judge comes next week."

Matt looked to Dakota who stood there, arms crossed, eyes down yet looking at Matt sideways. "Festus, go and let Spenser out."

"Matthew?" Festus seemed concerned.

"Go ahead Festus. You can take your client with you." Matt squared himself, tucking his thumbs in his gun belt. A few minutes later, Festus brought Spenser.

Spenser looked to his lawyer, "I thought I had to stay in the jail cell."

"Nope, I don't have enough evidence to charge you." Matt said plainly. Festus, Colbert, and Spenser looked surprised. Colbert grabbed Spenser and took off with him, as Spenser mumbled something about plans.

"Festus, follow them and see if you can find out what they are up too. Dakota, in the office with me." Matt moved passed everyone and headed into the office. Dakota followed Matt into the office, placed the wanted posters back where he found them and then sat down.

Matt watched him and he also sat down, only he sat behind his desk. "So, tell me Dakota, why did I just released the one person that I don't want to released."

"Well, marshal. I might have overheard a conversation between Spenser and Colbert, with Colbert doing the most talking. The plan was for Spenser to remain in jail, let this go to trial and then disgrace you in court. To ruin your reputation, and hopefully take away your family. Seems that Spenser wants to take your woman away from you."

"Well he can try and thank you. Spenser will mess up again, he can't help it. I just hope that it won't cost me a child or Kitty."

"You have people that will help you protect the family, including me." Dakota stood up and was heading towards the door.

"Dakota, I need a favor."

"What's that?" Dakota tilted his head and arched an eyebrow.

"Would you go to Long Branch and ask Maria to retrieve my court outfit. Tell her not to forget my good boots and Stetson."

"Sure marshal. Sounds like you have a date." Dakota teased.

"Get out of here." Matt waved his hand at the boy and then pointed to the door. Dakota laugh and scurried out. Seeing Festus on his way to the Long Branch, he went over to him.

"Have a question Festus."

"Jaw your question boy." Festus cocked an eye at him.

"What would you do for Matt and Kitty and their family hillman."

Festus' hand waved the boy off, "That there ain't no question. It's a fact boy"

Matt Dillion went down to the bath and barber. He took a long bath, a haircut and shave. Dakota had brought his outfit and accessories to the jailhouse. While soaking in the tub, he thought about Spenser, and he thought about his family. He thought about his parents and how they died when he was very young. Now he had this mixed family, more than he thought he ever deserved. Doc saw both Kitty and Dakota as his children. Did that make them siblings? Dakota his brother-in-law? The four children, two biologically his. Would Kitty want to adopt them. And the younger two, would she want to adopt them with him. He knew that she would, in fact in her heart they were hers. But doesn't a woman want to have her own child, one she carried and birth. Shaking his head clearing his thoughts, he need to dry off and go get dress. He had Dakota fetch him a carriage and horse. He also asked Dakota to make sure there were blankets in it, and to watch over the family.

Kitty Russel took a long bubble bath, washing her hair and body with lavender smelling soap. Once she was dried off and put her robe on, she went to find Jessica to help her with her hair. Sitting in front of the mirror, Kitty looked at her face and put on very light face paint.

"Are you afraid of your freckles Mother." Jessica commented as she brush out Kitty's hair.

"Not afraid, just don't like them," was her reply.

"Father likes them." Jessica responded back.

"Then your father can wear them." Kitty retorted.

"He would look ridiculous in face paint." Jessica giggled.

Both ladies laugh at their silliness. After working on her mother's hair for a while, she then asked another question. "With how our family is, would Dakota now be your baby brother?"

"Why would you think that?" Kitty's eyes looked up in the mirror to her daughters.

"Well, he called grandma 'ma' yesterday. And since grandpa thinks of you as his daughter, I thought that makes the two of you siblings."

Kitty held her nail file in her left hand and tapped it against her mouth. "I suppose in a way it does." She continued to watch as her daughter finish her hair. It was partially down, mostly on the left side of her head. It met with Kitty's approval.

"Which dress Mother." Jessica opened the door to the closet that held Kittys dress.

"Do you see the dress covered in cloth. That is the one I want to wear." Jessica removed the cloth and gasped at the dress. It was green with some silver ribbon on the sleeves and a thin silver ribbon around the waist. Kitty continued to sort through her jewelry, picking out the jewelry that Matt had given her. With necklace, earrings, bracelets and rings in place, Jessica helped her into her undergarments and the dress. Some lavender perfume on the sides of her neck, on her wrist, on her cleavage.

Kitty stood and went to the long mirror in the other room. She twilled in front of the mirror and looked over her figure and looks.

"Do you think your father will like what he sees?"

"I think you might not get to dinner Mother." Jessica grinned from ear to ear. "Are you ready?" She inquired as she picked up her mother's coat.

"Yes, I am. I feel like a young girl going on her first date. Doesn't that sound silly Jessy."

"No Mother. However, since I haven't had my first date, I will just live through your stories." Jessica had a sly and dreamy look on her face.

"Someday, maybe soon you will have your first date." She headed towards the door, and then to the top of the stairs.

Dakota was waiting outside the Long Branch with a carriage that had two rows of seats. He was sitting in the front one when Matt showed up. "Evening Matt. I will be your driver to the restaurant. What are your intentions with my sister?" A large grin came across both faces.

"Honorable Mr. Dakota, always with tenderness and love." Matt placed his hand on his chest and bowed slightly.

"Very good." He handed Matt 6 red roses. "For the lady."

"I thank you. Let me fetch your sister." Matt stopped at the batwing and looked around. He wasn't happy to see Spenser and Colbert sitting at a table in the back, talking. He entered the saloon and got a few wolf whistlers. Spenser started to get up and Colbert grabbed his arm and told him to sit down. He then pour two glasses of whiskey, shoving one to Spenser.

Matt chose to ignore them, tonight he was making a statement, and he did not care who watched. Kitty came out of the main area and walked to the stairs that led down to the main floor. Standing at the top of the stairs, she listened to the crowd telling her how beautiful she was. There stood Matt holding roses, grinning ear to ear. She slowly came down the stairs. At the bottom Matt extend his hand out to her and she took it. He handed her the roses, took the coat from Jessica and placed it on her and then escorted her outside to the carriage. Helping her up into the carriage, Matt climbed in beside her and wrapped his arm around her. Dakota clicked at the horse and off they went towards the new restaurant.

Albert Spenser and William Colbert stepped outside and watch the couple in the carriage ride away.

"He must die, that woman is mine." Spenser growled.

"He will. He destroyed my family; I will destroy his." Colbert stated flatly.

TBC

Chapter Eight: Once upon a date

Dakota drove the carriage slowly, so that the couple could enjoy themselves. They talked in whispers, soft words that Matt spoke into her ears, and she would giggle. Dakota smiled as he heard them whisper. The amount of love this couple had for each other and the love for each family member. And now he was basting in this love. Pulling up to the restaurant, Dakota stopped the carriage, hopped out and grabbed the weight that held the horse in place.

Matt jumped out of the carriage and placed his hands around the waist and lift Kitty Dillion out of the carriage and placed her down on the ground. He looked down at her, realizing how small she was compared to him. Slowly he bent over and placed a tender kiss on her lips, to which she responded in kind. Extending his arm he led her into the restaurant. The hostess showed them to a table in the back area. The room was opened area, with vines of ivory and flowers laced around the beams that was the ceiling. There were candles lit everywhere, ivory tablecloths on the table, with linen blue napkins. The silverware was silver, and the menu was not just a piece of paper. The waiter dress in Mexican clothing came over with a bottle of burgundy wine offering it to the couple. Matt motioned that they would like a glass, and the waiter poured it for them.

Lifting his glass towards Kitty, "To the beautiful mother of my children."

Kitty lift her glass towards him, blushing a bit. "To the handsome father of my children."

After the toast, Matt placed their order and small talk began. While eating salad, soup, enchiladas and flan, their talk focused on the children. The topic of a house came up, and both agreed that the children seemed happy there, and both agreed that they might need to move, especially if more children arrive.

"Honey, how many children do you want? I mean ones that you carry and birth. We have four already, so we have a good start. And we could always adopt more."

Kitty blinked. The only time they talked about having children was how not to have children. She decided to tease him a bit, "Oh, I don't know. Perhaps six children that is ours, with the four that we have. Makes 10, and then we could decide if we want to adopt. Of course, as a lost child comes into our life, we could adopt many more."

Matt raised a slight smile and continued eating. He knew she was playing with him, so he went along with her. "I guess we better start right away. Six children to conceive and birth."

Kitty laughed a bit and looked at him. "Seriously Matt. I am not sure how many children, natural or adopted, we should have. I thought we would let nature take its course."

"I am fine with that honey. Just as long as we can afford them, and your health is not in danger with multiple pregnancies."

Several musicians came out onto the stage and began playing a fast flamingo song. Three ladies, in bright colors, flowing skirts came out and danced. Then three men, wearing black outfits with wide brim hats sporting dingle balls on the rims came out and danced with the ladies.

The patrons all clapped at the visual display put on for them. Next, as the six dancers left, a slower song. Several couples went up to the dance floor, swaying in each other's arms. Matt knew that he wasn't a great dancer, but he did not care at this moment. Standing up and moving to Kitty's chair, he extended his hand.

"Kathleen, would you honor me with a dance?" His voice was deep, rich with emotion and the look in his eyes melted her heart.

"I would love to dance with you Matthew." She said silky as she took his hand.

They dance for what seemed forever. Matt held her close to him, took in the smell of the lavender scent. Kitty laid her head on his chest and listened to his heartbeat. They were each other's best friend, they were lovers, they have a family and want to grow that family. For Matt

this was a bit scary, and he feared for his family. But this is what he needed, wanted and he was going to have it and protect it. For Kitty, her dreams were coming true. He wanted to marry her; she knew. They had a family, and he wanted a baby with her.

Earlier in the day, William Colbert went into the run-down saloon called Devil's Trail, a dark and dank place where men could be bought and sold if it was right. Going over to the bartender, he looked the place over. "I need the services of a couple of men who needs money and would do almost anything for it."

"Those two fine gents over there." The overweight, greasy looking barkeep told him. "Pete and Marley. They would even kill if you want."

Colbert grunted his thanks, paid for a bottle of whiskey, and went over to the two men. "Gentlemen, a whiskey bottle for you and me to drink,"

"Have a seat stranger, with that bottle. Now what would a decent looking gentleman like you want to do with upstanding gents like us?" The one called Peter asked. Pete was medium built, rough around the edges, wearing clothes that was battered and torn. He had a six shooter and a nasty looking knife.

"Yeah, what Pete just said." Marley, a burly man, dirty and has a scar on his right arm, grinned. Missing half of his teeth, Colbert assess that he was not very bright.

Colbert addressed the men, mainly to Pete. "Gentlemen, may I sit and share my bottle of 'fine' whiskey."

Peter, who is medium style, rough looking, tattered clothing wearing a Colt 45 and knife looked at him. "Well my mama told me the best way to make a stranger a friend is to share your table and food. I am Pete and this is Marley." Pete pointed to a rather large man. Marley did not look like someone to mess with. He was tall, over six feet, broad in the shoulders and had muscles that he liked to show off.

Colbert took a seat, handed Pete the bottle and watch him pour three whiskey glasses full. Pete slid one glass to Marley and then to him. "Gentlemen I need a task done and the barkeep said you would do almost any for a proper payment for such tasks."

"Tasks?" Peter stared at his glass, "How many tasks?"

"Three. Can you handle it."

Peter put down his glass, removed his hat and run a hand through his hair. "It depends on you stranger. What are this 'three' task and what are you willing to pay."

"Do you know Dakota Smith?"

"I know who he is, but don't know him personally." Pete poured himself another drink. Marley handed his glass back for more and Pete poured whiskey in his glass, returned it to Marley.

"I want him beat up, not killed and no broken bones. And it is essential that you don't rob him."

Marley finally said something "Pete we always take everything." Marley wined to Peter.

"Hush now Marley, let me ask this stranger why?" Pete reached over and patted Marly's arm. "My friend here is a bit slow. Seems he took one too many hits to his head." Pete pointed to his own head. "So, what is the other two tasks"

"Are you afraid of the marshal of this town?"

Pete's hand went to the beard that he was sporting. "Do you want him dead. He is a very fast draw."

"No, same rules. No killings. He is currently on a date with his woman and the new restaurant Garica's. Renting a buggy suggest a ride out to see the stars. Maybe take her to a secret place he knows. I want you to do something with the horse. Get it away from the buggy and let them stress being away from Dodge."

"Does no killing go to the horse too." Pete stared at Colbert. "And the third?"

"I don't care if you kill the horse. Just don't get wounded or caught. Once the horse is gone, I want you to meet me at the old mill outside Dodge. I will pay you $50.00 now, and depending how good you do, it will be up to $200.00."

"$50.00 now and $200.00 later. What's the catch."

"Yea, what's the catch." Marley piped up after Pete.

Colbert softly chuckled and shook his head. "The catch is not to be caught. After the horse, I want you two to go to Hayes, Garden City wherever, clean yourselves up, the works and stay that way for a while. And no bragging."

"Alright you have a deal. Let us see the money." Pete requested as he down a third glass of whiskey. Colbert took out two 50-dollar bills and handed them to Pete.

"Don't spend it in Dodge. I don't want suspicions raised. I will see you see you at the old mill in a couple of hours." Colbert stood up, picked up the bottle of whiskey and left the saloon. He went, retrieved his horse and rode out of Dodge. He had business in Hayes, so leaving now would be a good alibi when all goes down.

Pete grabbed Marley and dragged him outside. "Come on, we have jobs to do." The two men headed down to get their horses and then down to Garcia's. They secured their horses in the back alley and quietly snuck up on Dakota.

Dakota was waiting for the dinner to be over and for them to walked out of the restaurant. When he saw them dancing a smile ran onto his face. This was good, very good. He wanted them to be happy. Turning around to head back to the carriage, he bumped into Marley.

"Excuse me, didn't see you." Dakota intended to walk around the man and to his horse. Marley stepped aside and when Dakota realized that maybe this isn't the best situation to be in. Marley took his pistol and knocked Dakota out. Picking up the man, Marley carried him to the back alley and plopped him down.

"Did I do good Pete."

"You did good Marley, now let's rough him up a bit and then get out of Dodge."

Pete took to kicking Dakota in the ribs, and Pete picked him and threw him into the wall. "Let's go Marley." And the two men went to their horses and mounted. They moved to a better location and waited for the Dillions to come out.

When Matt and Kitty left the restaurant and stepped outside, Dakota was not there with the carriage. Scratching his head, "I wonder where he wonder off to."

"Did he say he was going to wait for us?" Kitty inquired.

"We really didn't talk about it. Perhaps he wanted to give us time to ourselves." Matt grinned at her with the boyish look of his. "Would you care to accompany me on a late-night carriage ride? We could go to our special place, and look at the stars?"

"I would love that Matt. Do you think that the children would be alright?" Kitty asked as he helped her up into the carriage.

Once she was settled into the carriage, he picked up the weight. "They will be alright Kitty. I asked Dakota and Newly to stay at the Long Branch incase some was to happen." He climbed up into the carriage and clicked his tongue to the horse.

Fifteen miles out, along the Arkansas River with Kitty resting up against his arm, Matt halted the horse and jumped down. He helped Kitty down and then placed the weight on the bridle. The two of them walked over to the water and sat down, removing boots and shoes, socks and stockings. They placed their feet into the water, Matt put his arm around her waist, and she leaned into him. They just sat there for now, enjoying their time together.

Dakota Smith woke up to the shaking of his shoulder. Louie Pheeters was checking on the young man and attempting to wake him up. "Mr. Dakota, wake up."

Dakota groaned, "Louie?"

"Yes, Mr. Dakota, it's Louie. You have been beating up. I should get you up to Doc's"

"Okay," Dakota stood up, his ribs hurt along with other spots on his body. Louie helped him to Doc Adams. At the bottom of the stairs, he looked at Louie. "Go find Festus." The he slowly climb the stairs and enter the office. No one was in the main room, so he went to their bedroom door. "Doc, Ma… I need you."

Doctor Sammatha opened the door and in taking one look, called to Doc, "Galen, Dakota has been hurt." She will guide him over to the exam table.

Galen Adams came out of the bedroom, "What in tarnation happened to you."

"I think Matt and Kitty might be in trouble."

Matt leaned in to give Kitty a kiss, knowing most likely where it might lead.

THEN A SHOT RANG OUT…

Chapter Nine: Lost and Found

Newly O'Brian was settling down in the Dillions family parlor. He knew that Dakota would be up later. Jessica was tucking Matty and Lilly into bed and would return to the parlor for a few hours. He looked around and saw the paper and thought about reading it. He also saw a very large pair of slippers, the marshals he reckoned. There was also a smoking jacket, which surprised him and, on a table, a pipe and tobacco.

He never figured the marshal as a smoking jacket and pipe man. Of course, he never thought he would get married and have a family. Hearing Jessica telling Matty goodnight, as a joke he kicked off his boots, put on the slippers and smoking jacket. He then took the pipe and stuff it with tobacco and lit it. Sitting in the over stuff chair that was the marshals, he flipped open the paper, cross one leg over the other. He held the pipe and paper with his left hand along hold the other side of the paper with his right.

Jessica Dillion tucked in Matty and watched as he buried himself down into his blankets. She went then into her room and found Lilly with her doll, snuggled down in Jessica's bed.

"Why are you in my bed and not yours?" She sat on the edge of the bed and Lilly scooted over to her.

"Are you mad at me Jessy?" she asked.

"Because you are in my bed? Have I ever been upset with you over that?"

"No, but things seem different. Johnny got hurt, your all wrapped up with Mr. Newly, and Matty doesn't seem to want to play with me." She whispered. "And sometimes it gets noisy, and I can't sleep. And sometimes I get scared."

"Things will work out Lilly, I promise. We are all adjusting."

"Even mama and papa? Why don't they marry?"

Jessica hugged her sister. "They will. They are making sure we are settled. They went out on a date tonight. Maybe father will propose to mother. What do you think about that Lilly? You would make a beautiful flower girl."

"Love you Jessy. I will be good and go to sleep." Lilly crawled under the covers and snuggled down with her dolly. Leaning over, Jessica gave her a kiss goodnight and went out into the hallway. She would have sworn that she smelled tobacco in the hallway. She knew that the smell of tobacco sometimes comes up from the saloon area, but this was closer and stronger smelling.

Walking towards the parlor, she realized it was coming from there. Did her parents come home already? She really was not expecting them until the morning. She entered the parlor, and there was a man sitting in her father's chair, wearing his slippers and smoking jacket, reading the newspaper and smoking his pipe. A little fearful, she hoped it was Newly and not her uncle.

"What are you doing?" she questioned carefully.

"Waiting for you to come back." Newly lowered the newspaper as his face caught the attention of a well-placed pillow. It startled him and impressed him all in the same breath.

"I see. Is this what you think women and men do, one tucks the children in, the other relaxes in the parlor?"

"Well…no, you know I wouldn't think that. I just wasn't sure; you didn't exactly ask me to tuck in Matty and Lilly."

"You are always welcome to tuck them in. In fact, they might welcome it. And of course, you never thought about just asking, did you." Jessica plopped in a chair near him.

Newly was surprised and yet not surprised by the outburst. "No, I admit. I didn't think to ask. I should have."

"Yes, you should have. I feel like I am in a really bad windstorm with nothing to hold onto. Lilly seems to feel the same. Johnny being hurt as bad as he is, Matty adjusting to school for the first time, father and mother not married and what backlash we get." Tears will start down her cheeks.

"I guess with all that is happening, I just thought this would make you laugh. I guess wrong. I'm sorry Jessica, I didn't mean to upset you." Newly stood up and stepped out of the slippers. He took off the coat and put the paper and pipe down. Then he went over to her and took her into his arms. "I'm really sorry." He whispered to her. She cried just a bit, and he held her until she was done.

Johnny smiled as his grandfather entered the room. Doc saw the grin on his face. "Just what are you up to." Doc asked him.

"Nothing, nothing at all." Johnny started to whistle.

"Humm." Doc said as he pulled the covers at the bottom of the bed up. "Let's see if you have any movement now in your legs and feet."

"Alright", Johnny started to grunt and groan, then he showed his grandfather that he had movement in his toes, and legs. His feet had the most movement, spreading his toes out and bending them. He showed how he could bend his ankles and then his knees. Johnny knew he wasn't 100 percent, but he felt he would be there.

"Well by thunder, that wonderful. Wait until your parents hear the good news!" Doc exclaimed.

"Don't tell them Grandpa. I want to surprise them."

From outside the room, both men hear Dakota calling out, "Doc, Ma… I need you." Then he heard his wife call out to him. "You stay here in bed young man." And he left the room.

Doc Sammatha and Doc Adams settled Dakota onto the exam table and started going over him. After a few minutes, they determined that he had broken ribs on his left side, several cuts that need stitches. He also lost a tooth in the beating and his jaw was a bit swollen.

The sound of jiggling from spurs sounded into the room and Festus entered the room. "Louie jawed me to talk to you boy," motioning to Louie who was behind him. Festus came over to Dakota and looked him over. "Who whopped up on youse."

"I don't know. I was waiting at the restaurant by the carriage for Matt and Kitty when I got pistol whipped. Next thing I knew, Louie was shaking me awake, and the carriage with them was missing."

"I think I know where they are hiding. Matthew has a secret place where he and Miss Kitty go. Perhaps we should go there first" Festus turned to Louie "Go saddled up Ruth. I will be along."

"Saddle up Mule also" stated Dakota which caused both his parents to scorn.

"What in tarnation do you think you're going young man." Doc spatted out. "With broken ribs, a swollen jaw and all the stitches you have."

"With the hillman deputy."

"I forbidden it." Doctor Sammatha stated plainly. The three men turned towards her and looked. Dakota slid off of the exam table and pleaded with her.

"Ma, it's family. I am a good tracker and understand out there. More than this city life. I just can't sit here."

"The youngin is right Doc. Sam. I sure could use him on the trail. He's good out there."

"Love, I think they are right. And lord knows, how I 'love' to say Festus is right. If Matt and Kitty are in trouble, they could help them."

Sighing, knowing that she was outnumbered, agreed to Dakota going. He came over to her and hugged her, "I will be fine and will bring them and us home." Then he went to shake Doc's hand and instead, Doc hugged him. "Don't disappoint your mother son."

Dakota hustled into his room, waving to Johnny who inquired about what was going on. "Festus and I are going to hunt down the varmints that beat me up. Figure I owe them a punch or two."

"Well, take care of yourself. Kinda strange this family is. Hey, if you see my pa, smack him upside his head so he will marry our ma."

"Johnny, get better and you can smack him upside his head. I am not that crazy nor wild." Dakota smiled at him as he grabbed his rifle and spare hat.

THEN A SHOT RANG OUT…

AND THEN ANOTHER SHOT….

Matt pushed Kitty down onto the ground as he whipped out his pistol. Somewhere in the darkness of night, there was someone shooting at them. Or at least in their direction, and even that he wasn't totally sure. They both heard the thud. Matt asked Kitty if she had any clue, and she did not have a clue.

Looking around in the dark, Matt did not see anything. Standing up slowly, Matt prepared for a gun battle if one was to happen. After several quiet and still moments, he squatted down and took Kittys hand to help her up. "Stay behind me honey. We are heading towards the carriage and horse."

"Do you think the sound was the horse?" she whispered.

"Not sure, one way to find out." Matt led them towards the horse. He had an uneasy feeling. Slowly he led the two of them to the carriage, and just what he thought. Someone, for whatever reason kill their horse. Pushing his Stetson back on his head, he continued to look around the area.

"Why would someone kill a horse Matt. Steal it, yes, but to kill it." Kitty looked around.

"Someone wants us to be stranded and taking a horse is more dangerous than to just kill it. Now to figure out what to do."

"I didn't wear walking shoes. I don't think I could walk all the way back to Dodge. Do you think that they might come looking for us?"

"Let's hope they do, but it might not be until morning. Newly and Dakota are spending the night for the children. They might think that we decided to sleep under the stars."

"Well, don't think that would be wise for us to do." Kitty walked around. "We do have blankets so we could make a bed and take turns on watch."

Matt let out a belly laugh, and she smack him in the chest. "Kitty, do you think you could walk a mile in those shoes?"

"I could manage a mile, why?"

"There is an old fishing shack down the river aways. About a mile I believe. Go and get our shoes and socks. I will roll up the blankets so we can take them also. Oh, down where we were sitting, is a bottle of wine. Grab that also."

Kitty nodded and went down to the river, being careful is stay in Matt's line of sight. She thought of her children. Would this be something that Albert would do? Many things went through her mind as she put on her stockings and then her shoes. When they return to Dodge, she would make out a will, leaving the Long Branch to the twins. If something happened before they turned 21, she would make Sam their conservator. Finding the bottle of red wine and two glasses, she decided to leave the glasses. Carrying two glasses would take up a hand. They could just drink from the bottle. Grabbing his socks and putting them in one of his boots, she picked them up and headed back to where Matt was.

Matt laid out the few blankets that were packed for the date, placing one on top of the other. Once laid out, he rolled them up and tied both ends with the rope he found. Spotting the rifle that Dakota had left, he grabbed it. Kitty walked back to him and handed him his boots. Slinging the blankets over his back, the rifle in his hands, he reached down and took her hand. He lift it up to his mouth and kissed it. "Ready?"

"As ready as I can be." Her voiced sounded scared and worried. "So help me if this is Albert's doing, I will….I don't know Matt. Skin him alive." The two of them started off in the direction of the small shack that he knew about. His senses were on high alert, and his desire to protect the woman that he loved, the mother of his children.

Doc waited until Festus returned for Dakota. When Festus arrived and handed Dakota a shot gun, he spoked up. "It's dark out there. What in world do you think you can see."

"Fiddle Doc. I know where his secret placed is. Figure we mosey out there and see for ourselves. Ifin they are there and okay, we mosey on back. If no one is there, we can wait till morn to find them.

"We will be careful Doc." Dakota reassure the older man. "I am getting a bit tired of the beatings." He walked over to Doc and give him a hug. "Is ma awake?"

"Yes, she went in a minute ago. Knock first Dakota."

Dakota tapped lightly and Doc Sam opened the door. "I just came to say goodbye and to insure you I will be okay."

"Just come home safe and sound Kota." She hugged him. After the hug, Dakota took off with Festus.

The two men retrieved their mounts from Moss. Dakota put his rifle in its sheaf, and then secured the shotgun in front of the saddle. They left quietly from Dodge with Dakota following Festus.

"So how do you know where this secret place is? Knowing it doesn't make it too secret." Dakota question the hillman.

"Kinda nosey isn't you. Well, if we needed to marshal, we needed to know where he is

Youngin."

"Makes sense to me hillman." Dakota laugh and so did Festus.

About twenty minutes later, both men came to the area of Arkansas River that Matt's secret place was. Dismounting by the carriage, both men drew their rifles and looked around. When they came to the horse, Festus whistle and Dakota shook his head. The horse, dead on the ground with two bullet holes. Neither man found blood other that the blood from the horse. Dakota started looking in the bushes around the area. Near a tree not far from the carriage he found two discarded cartridges on the ground. The stars in the sky gave enough light to for him to see the tracks of two men and two horses. The tracks seemed to be leaving the area, but Dakota did not trust this. He return back to where Festus was looking at other tracks.

"There were track of two me. Found cartridges from a rifle or two. Not sure, other than two shots were fired." He informed Festus.

"I found tracks leading that way. They are Matthew's and Miss Kitty's."

"Any idea where they might have gone?" Dakota questioned.

"Theres an old shack down yonder way. We might lose their tracks in the dark. Let's get some shut eye. I take the first shift, so youngin, go grab so shut eye."

"Okay hillman, wake me up for my shift." Dakota grabbed his bedroll and the shotgun, found a spot and laid down. It did not take long for him to drift off to sleep.

Newly held Jessica until she stopped crying. Smoothing her hair back, he lift her face up. "Let's sit on the couch." Jessica nodded and let him lead her over to the couch. She sat on the couch tucking her legs under her. Newly went over to the liquor cabinet and took out two large brandy glasses and then opened the Napolean Brandy that sat on top the cabinet. He pour some of the brandy and then walked over to the couch and sat down on it. He handed her one of the glasses and she looked at him.

"That is my mother's brandy you know. And father doesn't want us to drink alcohol just yet."

"I know. I will ask for forgiveness from Miss Kitty and take responsibility with the marshal. With everything going on, a drink of brandy won't hurt you." He raised his glass, and she followed him. Clinking their glasses, both drank the brandy. Newly smiled at the look on her face. He took both glasses and returned them where they belong. Sitting down on the couch near her, he looked at her seriously.

"Jessica." He started. "I want to ask your parents to properly court you when you turned sixteen."

She placed her hands into her skirt on her lap. "I think I would like that."

"Until then, what do you want to do? I have enjoyed the time you send in my shop, but if that doesn't, please you, what do you want."

"I am fine with working in your shop. I think once we take care of the Albert situation, I will like it better." She yawned a bit. Newly grabbed a pillow and laid it where he was sitting. She stretch out on the couch, and he covered her will a throw blanket. Walking to the boys room, he check in and found a sleeping Matty under the covers. In the girl's room, Lilly was still clenching her dolly sound asleep. He went back to the parlor and Jessica was also sound asleep. Newly stretched out on a chair next to the couch and soon he also was fast asleep.

Matt and Kitty walked a mile and a half, before they came across the fishing shack. Matt opened the door and looked in. He could tell that no one had been there for a long time. Finding a lantern, he was able to light it. "Kitty come in. Its dirty and such, but it will be a good place for protection."

Kitty walked in and took a seat and took off her shoes. The walk had torn her delicate shoes. "It doesn't seem too bad, just untidy and dirty. Is there a bed or something for us to rest on"

"There is. Let me fix up it for you." He went over to the bed, took off the thin blanket and tiny pillow. He laid one of the blankets on the bed and then took his coat, turned it inside out and made a pillow for her. He then placed another blanket on the bed for her to use as a cover.

Kitty took off her dress and corset. The situation might not be the best, but she wanted to be comfortable. Matt came over and helped her with the dress and corset. Standing behind her, he took out all of her hair pins. She put them into her purse, pulling the top tight with the strings. Then she felt it, lips on her collar bone. Kitty looked up at him and smile. "That was a very nice good night kiss Matt. I need sleep. When we get home, we can ravenous each other."

Matt sighed and agree with her. "You go to bed; I want to look around for a bucket or something for water."

Kitty kissed his lips and went over to the bed. She pulled the blanket back and then she felt it. Something bite her and it hurt bad. Stumbling backwards and falling on the floor, she saw and heard it. A rattlesnake curled up hissing at her. Calling out to Matt, she tried to remain calm.

Matt came into the main room and saw the situation. Drawing his gun, he shot and killed the rattlesnake. Coming over to her, he knelt beside her.

"Did it bite you?" Matt asked with worry.

"Yes Matt, it bite my ankle."

TBC

Chapter 10: A Long Night and A Rescue

"Did it bite you?" Matt asked with worry.

"Yes Matt, it bite my ankle."

The words that Marshal Matt Dillion did not want to hear. He picked up Kitty and placed her on the bed. Then he looked at the wound that was two inches above her ankle bone on the outside of her leg. He yanked the socking off and took out his pocketknife. Kitty laid back on the bed and gripped the blanket as Matt opened his pocketknife and cut into her leg. He began to suck on the wound, hoping to get the venom out. Kitty whimper a bit with the pain she felt. After about 10 minutes Matt stopped sucking on the wound. He tore some of her skirt into long strips and wrapped up her leg.

"Honey, I have to get some water. I am going to leave my pistol with you and take the rifle. I will be back as soon as possible. You don't get up out of bed." He ran his hand through her hair on top of her head. Then he kissed her tenderly on the lips and stood up. He picked up the extra blanket and placed it over her. He took out his pistol and put in under the blanket by her hand.

Grabbing the bucket he found, he headed towards the river to gather water. He also grab some of the green foliage in the water. He stood and started back to the shack. He wished that Doc was here, or they had never come out. He stopped at the door, took a big breath, plaster a smile on his face and entered the shack.

William Colbert paced back and forth in the old mill. Rats scurried all over the room. The sound of horses galloping towards him. Looking out, he saw the two men coming to the mill. Colbert had no intention of paying them. He knew that Pete was the smarter of the two, and Marley couldn't decide on anything. Grabbing his rifle, he aim it and fired. The bullet pierce his head, and he fell the ground. Marley stopped his horse and ran over to Pete. Colbert came running out with his rifle up and ready. Marley was knelt down by Pete, shaking him, begging him to wake up. When Colbert came up, Marley looked at him. "Somebody shot him." He began to cry.

"I can see that. Any idea where the bullet came from." Colbert lowered his rifle.

"No, I just heard it. And then Pete fell. Now he is dead." Marley stood up with Pete in his arms. "I must bury him."

"Yes, we do. I will help you." Colbert felt bless that Marley could not see him being the shooter.

"Mr. Stranger. What am I supposed to do now?"

"Marley lets bury him proper. And then you will come with me. I will take good care of you, and you can keep me safe. I have to go to Wichita and there we will get you new clothes, a bath and haircut, food for your belly, a bed to sleep in and maybe some whiskey and a woman."

"Thank you, Mr. Stranger." Marley carried the body to the side of the building and buried Pete.

Afterwards, the two men mounted their horses and left. On the road, Colbert told him to call him Mr. William. And to never ever mention that he had hired him and Pete. Marley told him that he would do whatever Mr. William told him to do.

Matt entered the shack and walked over to the bed and Kitty. She seemed to be asleep. Matt pulled up a chair, set the water bucket down and looked at the bandage on her leg. Slowly he unwrapped the wound. "Forgive me" he said to her, and he check out the wound, pushing on the sides to get any more of the poison out along any infection that might have started.

Kitty's eyes open up in a startled motion and she groan as he pushed on her wound. "I don't feel so good Matt. My leg hurts, and my stomach is upset."

"I know honey, but I have to do this. The more poison I can get out, and the more infection I can prevent, the better." Matt took another piece of the skirt and dipped it into the water. Carefully he cleaned the wound and then taking the foliage he placed it on the wound. Taking a clean piece of cloth, he wrapped up the wound.

Finding a bowl in a broken cabinet, he brought it over and dipped it into the water. He sat behind Kitty, helping her up and then place the bowl to her lips. "You need to drink Kitty." Slowly she drank in some of the water.

"I would rather have the wine we brought." She whispered.

"I can arrange for that." Matt went and pick up the bottle of wine that Kitty left on the table. He brought it over to her and pour some into the bowl. Kitty took a long drink and handed the bowl back to Matt.

"Matt, tell me the truth. I am going to die, aren't I?" Kitty said with sadness in her voice.

Matt lowered his eyes, swallowed hard and laced his fingers, resting them on his knee. "Kitty, I will do everything I need to do so that you live. Even if I have to take your leg to save you. I don't want to think about you dying, and I think you should think about the living and marrying me and the children, present and future."

Kitty will reach out and take his hand. "Do you remember the first time we kissed. You were so nervous. It was the best thing that had ever happened to me in my life."

"I remember. How could I forget. Sweetest lips I ever tasted and still taste." He was actually blushing. "Tell me your story Kitty". He didn't want her to fall asleep, but he also didn't want her to exert herself.

"My story?" She wasn't sure what story of her life he wanted to hear. He knew everything about her.

"About that night. Our first date, our first kiss. What did you think, feel."

"Matt, your being silly. Can I have more wine?"

Matt poured more wine in the bowl and handed it to her. "After this, I want you to drink some water." He reached up and felt her forehead. She was beginning to feel warm. He looked at her leg and was relieved that it didn't have stripes going up her leg. He wet a small strip of cloth and put it on her forehead. "Alright, I will tell you my story from the night."

"Oh, this should be interesting." She grinned at him.

Matt retook her hand into his and started. "The fall festival dance was coming up. Usually me, Doc and Chester went to dances stag. That is, if I am in town. I talked to Doc about taking you. I didn't want you to go alone, but I was also worried that you would tell me no or you already had a date. I was also afraid that I would be called away that night and you would have no one to escort you."

"I didn't know all this. You should have told me cowboy." She rolled to her side and looked up at him. "When you asked me, my heart dropped into my stomach. I had such a crush on you. And you always was kind and gentle with me. I loved our talks; I told you everything about my life and you did not judge me."

"Oh Kitty, I could not judge you. Life was hard on both of us, and both of had done things we did want to do. I remember picking you up in the Long Branch. Doc and Chester was with me when you started down the stairs. Doc wolf whistle and all Chester could say was 'Oh my'. I had no words Kitty, none. You were so beautiful, in the white and blue dress, with your hair down and in curls. The smile on your face, the light that shone in your eyes. I thought I would make a fool with you. One thing I knew, I was the luckiest man with the most beautiful woman on my arm."

"I remember that dress. I still have it. Might have to wear again for you. When I saw you, I could not believe that you wanted me, a dancehall girl. Oh, how I wanted you and I wanted you to know that."

"The dance was exciting and wonderful. I think you dance with every guy there."

Kitty interjected, "I saved the last dance for you"

"Yes, you did. And I was so afraid you would be mad, but you wasn't."

Matt smiled and shook his head 'no'. "Kitty, I enjoyed the dance and watching you. You were so beautiful and having the time of your life. The last dance was mine. I held you so close, I didn't want to let go. After the dance, Doc and Chester seemed to have disappeared. We walked so slowly and when we got to the backstairs I wanted to kiss you so much."

"Cowboy, you didn't realize how bad I wanted to kiss you."

"After you unlocked the back door, I knew that I wanted to kiss you. So, I turned you towards me, and I kissed you."

"I floated up to the moon with the kiss. And now look at us. It's been hard at times, but I wouldn't change one moment."

Matt smiled at her words, "I just knew that you would be my woman. I wanted to kiss you so you would not kiss other men. When my lips touched yours, it was like firework for July went off. And I wanted to kiss you over and over."

Kitty laid back onto the bed and closed her eyes. Matt felt her head. The fever seemed to be the same. Checking the wound, he cleaned it up a bit. Kitty was moaning in her sleep. He took the wet rag and wiped down her face, neck and shoulders. Matt argued with himself that he should strip her clothes off. He decided to take everything off except her chemise. Hopefully she will be okay in the morning.

Along about 3:00 in the morning

Before the sun begin to rise over the horizon, Dakota Smith woke up. He rose from his bedroll and stretch. Walking over to Festus he placed the toe of his boot on his shoulder. "Hey Deputy Hillman, wake up. Sun will be up soon."

Festus Haggin grabbed Dakota's boot and cause Dakota to fall. Chuckling Festus stood up. "We should saddle our mounts and hope we find tracks."

Getting up and brushing his pants off, Dakota grunted an 'ok' to Festus. "We have to find them, and pray they are alive. This would be a field day for Spenser." Stated Dakota.

Both men saddled their mounts, made sure they had everything they brought. Rifles, shotgun and pistols were double checked. Grabbing the reins, they head to where the tracks started. Festus went down on one knee and looked at them again. Standing back up, he looked to Dakota.

"Seems they mosey on that-away." He pointed towards the thicket.

"Let's get to it." Dakota followed Festus into a small thicket that looked like a path made by humans. Scratching his head, he and Festus looked at the tracks. "I would have bet that whoever killed the horse would follow them."

Festus looked around and then he knew. Matt took Kitty to the old fishing shack. "Ise know where they'se are."

"Okay, I will bite like a fish on a line, Where?" Dakota looked around and waited for the hillman to answer.

"Over there's a shack used by fishermen. That's a good place to rest and lay low. So, lets head that way."

Doctor Sammatha McTavish headed towards the Long Branch. Kitty had asked her to make sure that Matty and Lilly were ready for work. She was afraid that something bad happened to the two of them. Dakota did not come home last night, and she worry about him. Walking up the back stairs, she used the spare key that Kitty gave her. Entering the building she became aware that there were no children running, Jessica calling out to one of them. Maybe they went down to have breakfast. Just to be sure, she knocked on the boys room and looked it. She did not see Matty nor his blankets in his bed. 'Might be in the girls room' she said out loud to herself. She found no one in the girls room. She went out and as she walked past the parlor and saw them, all asleep. Sammatha shook her head and quietly walked in. She went to the big chair and poked at Newly's arm. He immediately jerked away and blinked his eyes.

"Doc Sam, what are you doing here?" He asked as Lilly stir awake.

"I should ask you the same question," She asked as he stood up with Lilly who was waking up. "I was asked by Kitty to help Matty and Lilly get ready for school. You?" She challenged him.

"Dakota and I were asked by the marshal to watch over their family. I tried to stay awake, since he never showed up. Jessy fell asleep on the couch, not sure when Matty creeped in and this one wandered in around 4 a.m., wanting to be with us." Newly lowered Lilly down on the ground and then went and bend down to wake up Matty. After he made sure Matty was up, he turned to Jessica and rubbed her arm calling her name. After a minute, her eyes opened and in seeing Newly, she suddenly sat up.

"Newly, what are you doing…" Jessica looked around and realized she wasn't in her room. Looking around in a panic, he told her that she had fallen asleep on the couch. I found a blanket and put it on you."

Jessica sat up, rub her eyes and hugged Matty and Lilly. Doc Sammatha cleared her throat, and she look up and saw her grandmother. "Grandma, what, this isn't what it seems. Nothing happened."

"Never said it did. Your parents are not home yet. Newly, escort the children to their rooms. Thank you." She stated plainly. Newly nodded and said, 'yes ma'am'. As the three of them left, Doc Sammatha turned to her eldest grandchild.

"Jessica, Deputy Festus and Dakota are out looking for your parents. I am not really sure what is actually happening. All I know is that Dakota drove them to 'Garcia's', and while he was waiting, he got ambushed. The carriage and the Dillions were gone."

She took the news better than Doc. Sam thought she would. "I see." Jessica said quietly. "Newly and I will get the children to school. I won't say anything about it to them. If mother and father are not back by tonight, I will have to tell them."

"Alright Jessy, I will let you handle getting ready for school. If your parents have not come back, I will wait for you to bring them home."

"These is pancake and fatback breakfast today. Care to have breakfast with us?"

"Is there good strong coffee?"

"Yes, grandma. Father calls is stronger than Festus."

"Then yes Jessy. Let's go get breakfast."

Festus and Dakota arrived at the shack. Not sure if 1) the Dillions were in there, and 2) who was with them. Festus, motioned for Dakota to go around to the back. Dakota slowly moved to the back of the shack and waited for Festus to call out to him. Festus moved up to the shack as the door opened up. He was happy that Matt came out of the shack.

"Matthew!" Exclaimed Festus.

Matt looked and was relieved that it was his faithful deputy. "Kitty got bitten by a rattlesnake last night. She is burning up with fever. I had to open the wound and drain it."

"Dakota, they'se alive." Festus shouted. Dakota came on a run to the front.

"I need to get water Festus." Matt started towards the river.

"Matthew, let the boy get the water. I need to eyeball Miss Kitty's wound."

Taking the bucket, Dakota heading towards the river on a run. Festus and Matthew went into the shack and Festus looked at her wound. "Sure, wish Ole Doc was here. We'se sure do need to get her back to Dodge.

Dakota returned with a bucket of water. Seeing the wound he turned to Matt. "I could go and get the carriage."

"Take old Ruth" Festus said, and he started tending to the wound. Matt soaked some cloth in the water and began to wipe Kitty down hoping to bring down her fever.

"I will be back." Dakota took off and mounted Ruth. When he got back to the area, he dismounted and wrestle the barding on the dead horse. Making a loud comment about the stench the horse was emanating, he managed to retrieve all the barding. Taking the saddle off of Ruth, he set out to get the carriage hooked up to the mule. Then he jumped onto the carriage and headed to where the group was.

Back at the shack, Festus cleaned out the wound and wrapped the leg up. Looking at Matt, he shook his head. "I thinks she will be alright. Once we get her back there to Doc, the better.

Dakota returned to the shack and Matt picked Kitty up and placed her on the back of the carriage on a blanket bed. Matt instructed Dakota to Dodge ahead of them and he took off. Matt place a bucket of water in the back and toss the rags in there. Festus climbed up into the front and Matt sat in the back with Kitty. He prayed that with what he had done and what Festus did, she would be enough to save her. Taking her hand, he kissed it and told her to live and that he loved her.

TBC

Chapter 11: Our Love Story

It was a long week for the Dillion family and their friends. True to his word, Dakota rode like the wind to Dodge. Upon arriving at their home, he took the steps, two at a time and then burst into the office. Bringing up what is happening, the two doctors decided that Sammatha should go.

Dakota and Sammatha met the group mid-way to Dodge. Sammatha went into the back of the carriage where Kitty was laying. Doc waited and pace around. Hearing the sounds of the group arriving, he opened the door and motioned them upstairs. Both doctors concluded that in time Kitty would be alright and that she would do better resting in the Long Branch as long as there is someone watching her. Johnny had made it to the door and Matt, happy with his results, helped him over to his mother. Kissing her cheek, Kitty started to cry happy tears as her hand caress his face. Doc of course fussed at him, demanding that he went back to bed.

Matt made sure Kitty was comfortable. He was angry at Albert and first talked to Sam and found out that the man was at the Long Branch playing cards and got extremely drunk. Sam had a couple of cowboys take him over to the Dodge House and to his room. Matt found out the Spenser was on a hot streak which meant that he wasn't leaving town anytime soon. Matt questioned him intensely the next day and believed Spenser when he claimed he did nothing and knew nothing. If it wasn't Spenser, then who? And why? As for the amount of money he was winning, he spoke to Dakota and asked if he thought he could wipe Spener clean. Dakota managed in the first week to take money from Spenser and found out that Spenser cashed in several bank drafts from St. Louis when he first arrived. To wipe him clean could take some doing for the next few weeks, but he will do his best.

Jessica took over Kitty's care for the most part. Lilly played nurse maid to her mother, fussing over her like a mother hen. Lilly watched as Newly one time change the wrapping around the wound. He notice that there was very little evidence that there was a wound and reported it to Doc, who checked it and told her and Matt that she no longer need the wrapping. He suggested a long bath which Kitty wanted so badly. Matt obliged and got a bath ready for her. He carried her to the washroom, helped her undress, placed her in the tub and washed her.

Matty decided that he must protect his mother. He just wasn't sure how to do it. Johnny wasn't home from Doc's yet. Jessica and Lilly seemed to have assignments to help her. His father would not get in till midnight, his job required him to check stores and alleys and bars late at night. Perhaps he should stand guard when his father was away. Matt came home later than normal, breaking up one bar fight after another. Tired, he climbed the steps and in front laid his younger son, asleep holding his rifle. Slightly waking him up, he helped the young boy to his bed. Doing a double check of his rifle, he laugh to himself that it wasn't even loaded. He would tell Kitty about what Matty had done. They decided that he could guard her from after homework to dinner. Matty had found this acceptable.

Albert Spenser attempted to see Kitty during the week, sending up one message after another. Sam promised to take the messages up to her and inquire if she wished to see him. The message back to him was that Kitty was not accepting any visitors at the moment. Albert sent bouquets of flowers and boxes of chocolate up to her. The flowers where tossed away and the chocolate send to the orphanage just outside the town. He attempted to see his nephew and one time Johnny allowed Albert to see him. The conversation was short and sweet. Albert insisting that he had nothing to do with the accident and Johnny telling him that not only that he suspected his uncle, but he knew his uncle did it.

The young ones loved Friday nights, for they were able to stay up later than any other night. Sunday through Thursday nights bedtimes were early due to school and Saturday nights because of Church. Earlier that day, Johnny had come home. He was slow in walking, and Doc felt this would go away. Kitty was up and about, with a slight limp. At the dinner table, there was loud laughter, teasing, poking at each other and if Kitty had not stopped the children and Matt himself.

"Mama, when did you and papa fall in love. Like real love." Lilly asked.

"Oh sweetie, I fell in love with your father the first time I saw him" she replied.

"No, when you knew and was scared of it." Lilly insisted.

"I think she means the picnic we went on and we were brave enough to admit to each other that we loved each other." Matt blushed a bit thinking about that day.

"Mama, how can a picnic be romantic?" Lilly looked as though she was pondering hard on this. Johnny and Jessica snickered a bit on this until Kitty cough a bit and the twins eyes looked down. Matty, not sure what was actually happening, tilted his head towards his mother expecting an answer.

"Was that when you told Pa that you loved him?" Johnny piped up.

"Or when did Father tell you that he loved you?" Jessy spoke up.

"Was it at the picnic?" Matty continued the questioning from the children.

"Was that why the picnic was romantic?" Lilly questioned.

"Woo, woo, children hold on." Kitty raised her hands up and stop the questioning. "I will tell you when I told your father that I love him, and he can tell his story. Alright?"

The sound of 'alright' course through the room.

"There was a bank robbery back around 10 years ago. Your father did not have deputies like he has now, but he did have an assistant, Chester. There was a horrible gun fight between the robbers and your father. When the smoke cleared, the three robbers were dead. Chester was grazed in the arm and your father was hit in both his right leg and in his side. Up in Doc office, your grandfather did surgery to get the bullets out. Your father was laying there in bed, out cold. I took his hand and cried. I demanded that he didn't leave me behind, that he was the strong marshal from Dodge City. I believe my exact words was "Damn it Matt Dillion. I love you and you can't die on me. Now wake up."

"And did he?" asked Jessy.

"Yes, I did. Now for when I told that I love her." Matt started. "When you twins were just a little bit over six years old, I came and visit you. Something did not set right with the visit. We had a great time, but I was missing something. Then it dawn on me, I wanted Kitty to be on these visits. So, I came home and went up to her room. When we went to bed, I told her about you two. I told her that I wanted her to meet you. That I could not hide you two anymore from her. And then I told her that we need to go to St. Louis. I looked her strait in the eyes and whispered that I love her, and I wanted to have time with those that I loved. So, we came to you and spent a week with you. That was the happiest moment in my life."

"Wow", Johnny said. "I remember that visit. You had just visited us a month before. And we did so much together. It felt like a family."

"Alright children, it's getting late. Bedtime." Kitty announced. "Off you go." Grumbling occurred, and yet the four of them came and gave hugs and kisses. After they left, Kitty got up from her chair and came over to Matt. He pulled her one his lap and his hand came up and touched her face.

"I love you Kitty."

"I love you Matt. Remember that picnic."

"How could I forget. It was the first time we enjoyed each other bodies."

"And our hearts and souls." Kitty laid her head down on his chest and started dreaming about that day.

THE PICNIC…...

Kitty Russell woke up early in the morning, excited about the upcoming day. Matt had actually taken the day off and was going to pick her at 10:00 for the day. She had hot water brought up, filled her tub, added lavender smelling bath oils, and slowly climb in, lowering herself down in the tub. She took her time cleaning her body and hair. After her bath, she looked at the outfits that she had. Picking out a light blue dress that flowed beautifully. White and blue ribbons finished the outfit. Putting on very light face paint and fixing her hair by pulling part of it into a ponytail tied with the blue ribbon that Matt had given her. Thinking about Matt churned her emotions up. Standing in front of the floor length mirror and examined herself. She was very pleased with the results.

She went downstairs to talk with Sam, the craggy-faced bartender. Their friendship was boundary-less and knew no end. Walking up to him with a huge smile on her face, Sam swore it lit the entire room. "Good Morning, Miss Kitty," he greeted her with a large smile on his face. "You look very pretty today."

"Thank you. Did Delmonico's send over the picnic basket I ordered?"

"Yes, ma'am they sure did. Smells really good."

"Please add a nice bottle of red wine and a couple of glasses. I will be home very late tonight. So please don't worry. I am sure that I am in good hands with the marshal." She had a giggle in her voice.

Matt showed up an hour later and when he saw her, he had a hitch in his heart. She was so pretty. Coming up to her, he tipped his hat to her. Sam handed up the picnic basket and Matt picked it up. Extending his arm, she took it, and they went out to the carriage.

The carriage ride was slow and easy. They talked, and they stayed silent. She leaned into him, and he wrapped his arm around her. When they got to the place that Matt aways went too when he need to calm his mind and rest his soul. No one had ever been here with Matt, not even Chester. He helped her down onto the ground from the carriage. He took the bridle of the horse and hobbled it. Grabbing the picnic basket and blankets they went into a small area that was surrounded by trees and bushes. Setting the basket down, he shook the blanket opened and laid it on the ground. Kitty took the bottle of wine and placed it into the water to ice it.

Matt came up behind her and wrapped his arms around her. He nuzzled her neck, taking in the smell of lavender. He ran his right hand through her hair, feeling the softness between his fingers. "You smell so wonderful. You're so beautiful Kitty."

Kitty turned around to face him. Her hands flat against his chest, her fingers caressing his chest. "I am so glad you took the day off. Sometimes I miss you so much when your out of town or swamped with work. Seems that I only see you for about 10 minutes when you check on the Long Branch. Or if there was a fight."

"I realized that, and well… I will be around more often. Kitty, it's hard to have a relationship that works because of my job. I want a relationship with you. I want you as my woman, but we can't display it. I don't want yahoo's to come in and figure the best way to me is through you. I promise you that I will be faithful, will attempt to spend as much time as I can. Will you be able to handle that kind of relationship with me?"

"Matt. Being your woman even with conditions is wonderful. I have wanted that for some time. So yes, Matt Dillion, I will be your woman."

Matt's hands went on both sides of her face, his thumbs caressing her face. He brought his lips down onto hers, tasting the essence of her. Their kiss intensified and he wrapped her up into his arms. After a few minutes, they broke the kiss, and he placed his forehead on hers. "I love you sweetheart" he whispered to her. "I love you too cowboy", she whispered back. He picked her up and carried her over to the blanket. He laid her down on the blanket and then stretched out beside her. Matt laid his head down on his left arm and intertwined his right hand with hers.

They talked for a long time until she heard Matt's stomach. "Sounds like you're hungry. Go get the wine and I will fix plates for us." Matt kissed her and walked over to where she had put the bottle, retrieving it from the river. Kitty opened the basket and took out the chicken. She also scooped up some potato salad and placed rolls on the plates. When Matt came back, he opened the wine and poured two glasses. "Here's to us sweetheart." They ate until they were full, finishing the meal off with apple pie. After a good meal, light talking and a few yawns, Kitty and Matt laid back down, side by side, falling fast asleep.

BACK TO TODAY:

Albert Spenser did not have a good day. In fact, he wished that he never got out of bed. He lost over $300.00 gambling at the Long Branch. Damn, Smith was on a hot streak and walked out of the Long Branch with his money and others. Then his regular girl down at the Lady Gay, went and married a cowboy. His conversation with his nephew Johnny did not go how he wanted to go. And now he is home and walking. All of his overtures and jesters to Kitty went nowhere. And just where the hell did Colbert go. Frustrated, Spenser walked down the street when he saw the marshal and the deputy. Spenser start to think, and what he thought about would be to do something that Kitty would realize the marshal was not hers.

Taking a spot behind some crates, he pulled his pistol out and aimed. He let the bullet loose and his aim was true. Once he fired the pistol, he ran towards the alley and then headed back to the Dodge House. Taking the back way, he ran up the backstairs to his room. Inside the room, he took off his clothes and splash some whiskey on him and then climbed in bed. Excuses if he needed one.

Matt felt the bullet hit his lower back and he went down. Festus removed his pistol and looked for the assailant. Kitty heard the gunshot and woke up, at first confused as to where she was. She thought she was on a picnic, and now she was in her bed. But Matt wasn't. And she just knew.

TBC

Chapter 12: Time For Reckoning

Kitty heard the shot. This time of night, Matt not in bed with her. 'Oh God, please let it not be fatal.' She quickly threw on an overdress and flat slippers. Heading out the door, the children were up.

"What do we do mother", Jessica questioned.

Johnny came out were his night shirt, pants and had his rifle. "You're not going anywhere without me."

"It might be nothing children. I just want to check. Go back to bed."

"NO" both Jessica and Johnathon said together.

"Mother, I will stay with the young ones. Johnny can escort you over to Grandparents. If it is father, I am sure Newly will be up. Have him come here, the back way."

Kitty looked at her oldest children. "Alright, lock the door behind Johnny and me. Matty, Lilly, you two behave yourself."

Both children agreed that they would behave Jessy. Jessy locked the door behind them and turned to the little ones. Maria was out in the hallway and seeing the worry in the three of them, came up and ask if maybe milk and cookies would help. Jessica thanked her, and usher the two little ones into the parlor.

"I wanna pray for papa." Lilly said.

"Me too" said Matty.

"Why don't we all pray." Jessica suggested.

Matt felt the bullet into his lower back on the left side. It knocked him to his knees. Festus yanked his pistol out and looked around. Seeing no one and not wishing to leave Matthew, he went over to him.

Nathan Burke, Mr. Jonas, Sam Nooman, and Newly O'Brien came out of their respective homes to the sound of the gunshot. Dakota, sitting out on the stairs having a cigar, heard the shot, jumped up and went inside banging on the Doctor's bedroom door. "I think Matt been hit." He grabbed his rifle and headed down to the scene in the street.

Matt attempted to get up and Festus stopped him. "Matthew, that there bullet could be anywhere."

"Festus is right Marshal." Newly spoked up. "Burke, go to Doc's and get the stretcher.

Burke took off towards the Doctors office, passing Dakota in the process. Doc Adams started down the stairs just as Kitty and Johnny arrived. Looking at his surrogate daughter and grandson, "It's Matt Kitty. Go upstairs and stay with Sammatha."

Festus looked around. "Newly, you best make sure the family is okay. Dakota, you and I will scour the town. Of course, I thinks I know who to ask first. Sam, you're in charge of the big guy here. Matthew, you wait until Doc gets here."

As Festus and Dakota went looking through the town, Newly went towards the backstairs of the Long Branch. Kitty and Johnny made their way up to Doc's where Dr. Sam was waiting for her. Doc arrived and looked at Matt's back. "Thank the god Matt. It isn't by your spine. It looks to be just above your hip more towards your side." Looking up at Burke and Sam, "Lets lay him down and get him up to the office.

Burke and Sam helped the marshal onto the stretcher. Several men carried Matt up to the office and place him on the exam table. Johnny stayed out of the way, Kitty went and sat on a chair beside Matt. She ran her hand through his hair. "Again Cowboy? If you wanted attention, just tell me next time."

Newly O'Brien let himself in the back door, and he heard Jessica whisper to the children to stay put and be quiet. She stepped out of her bedroom cocking Johnny's rifle. "Easy with that Jessica, it's me", Newly raised his hands. Jessica sighed and uncocks the rifle. "I could have shot you."

"I know, but you didn't. Festus sent me over to watch over you, Matty and Lilly. It was your father that was shot."

Matty stood as tall as he could, and Lilly began to cry. Newly opened his arms and she went into them. Picking her up, he wiped her tears. "Your papa was angry and was demanding answers. He tried to stand up and Festus shoved him down. But he is alright." He looked at Jessy, "Really he is going to be fine."

"Are we going to camp out in the parlor again?" Asked Matty.

"Yes, we are. Go collect blankets, pillows and you don't forget your dolly." She confirmed. As Matty and Lilly went to gather their stuff, Maria came upstairs with a tray of cookies and milk. "OH, Mr. O'Brien. I did not know you was to be here."

"I was asked to watch the family. They will love the cookies and milk. That should make them sleepy enough to sleep through the night." Newly replied.

"Was it Mr. Dillion?" Maria inquired.

"Yes, he was shot from behind, in his lower back, not by the spine." Newly was being as frank as he could. Jessica, Matty and Lilly went to the table and Maria bid a good night. "Jessica, I am going to check the building making sure everything is locked. I will grab another glass while I am downstairs."

"Okay, don't be too long please." She came over and touched his arm. "They won't settle down until your back."

"Quick as I can." Newly started with the upstairs and then the main floor and last the cellar. Everything seemed to be in order, so he grabbed a beer glass from the bar and headed upstairs. It felt a bit funny doing it and wonder if this was how the marshal felt. Going home to his wife, or soon to be wife and children. When he got to the parlor the young ones were finishing up their cookies and milk. Jessica settled down Lilly in her fathers oversized chair. Covering her with a blanket and making sure that she had her dolly, Jessica kissed her forehead while Lilly yawned. Newly poured himself a glass of milk and grabbed a cookie, watching her. Matty tossed his pillow on the love seat and then two blankets. He snuggled deep into the covers, rolled up in a ball, avoiding a kiss or hug from Jessy. Newly figured it was that age for Matty. When she was done, she came over and sat in a chair next to him. He pour her a glass of milk and handed her a cookie.

"Oatmeal. Really good cookie. You glad your mother was convinced to bring her here?" Newly asked.

"She helped raise us. The boys had to fetch water and wood, we girls learned to cook and set a table. We all had dish duty."

Seeing the worry in her eyes, he continued. "They were able to go back to sleep quickly."

"They are young, especially Lilly. All she wants right now is security, and being told that Father will be fine, is all she needs. I on the other hand, not so sure I could go back to sleep."

"Aw, Jessy. You're not going to be awake if you don't try. Since we don't know if Miss Kitty and Johnny will be back before daybreak, we should try." He tried to sound comforting.

Soon Jessica was stretched out on the couch and Newly stretched out on the floor next to her. "Newly?" She was on her stomach, so she just peer over the edge at him. Newly was on his back, with his hands intertwined behind his head. "Yeah?"

"You been a deputy for a few years, right?" She asked.

"That's right," he turned to look at her.

"Have you ever been shot?"

"In the line of duty?" he was teasing a bit, acting innocence.

"No, while you were in the outhouse. Of course, in the line of duty."

He rolled onto his side, supporting his head on a bended arm and hand. "Jessy, yes, I have been wounded several times in the line of duty. It is part of the job and sometimes the job is dangerous."

"I see." She laid back down thinking. "If you ever were shot, I would be there for you." She said quietly.

"I know. Something for us to talk about in the future." He laid back down and stared at the ceiling. It did not take long for them to fall asleep.

Both doctors looked at the wound. They were able to get the vest off, the shirt and top of the union suit had to be cut. "How bad is it?" Matt asked. "Hush marshal", Doc. Sam said. "Kitty, I am going to use chloroform on him, unless you can?"

"Doc, no. I don't wish to be knocked out, and no laudanum either." Matt turned his upper body towards Doc. "I want to go home after this."

"You can't be serious Matt." Kitty eased him back down onto the exam table. "Doc cannot operate on you while your awake, and the pain." She sounded worried, while she rubbed his forearm.

"I don't want to be out Kitty. I have a family I need to protect. I know it was Spenser that did this, and I want him."

"Matt, Festus and Dakota are looking for who did this, including checking out Spenser. And he sent Newly up to be with Jessica and the young ones. Johnny is here guarding us and his parents, which is you Mr. Marshal. So, you just lie there and take your medicine." Doc demand.

"Please cowboy, for me. I need to stay here with you, but I couldn't stand to hear you or see you in pain."

Realizing that she was right, Matt relented. He also realize he trained his deputies well. As the either began to take him over, thoughts danced in his mind. Was he getting to old for this? Was he actually needed? Seems now that Dakota joined the group, Festus was relying on him. That was three of them, with Newly rounding out the trio. What was his purpose now? She needs me, she always has needed me, and I have always needed her. The last words he hear was she loved him. He drifted off, smiling, thinking about her and the children.

Kitty took the mask away and kiss his forehead. Doc and Dr. Sam began to operate on Matt. It took several hours to locate and remove the bullet, and to fix and repair the damage. Once the wound is wrapped, Doc pull the blanket up to Matt's neck. Dr. Sam checked vitals and breathing, and both were satisfied.

"By god Kitty, he is going to be alright. If nothing happens tonight, you can take him home tomorrow. You should go and get yourself some sleep." Doc patted her shoulder, looking a bit tender at her. Of all the people to know her, he knew what the shootings do to her. How it strip one layer of skin at a time.

"I am going to stay here with him Doc. Johnny, you can go on home son. Let Newly and Jessica know that I will be home tomorrow with your father."

"I am not going anywhere Ma. Pa would want me to make sure you're alright, especially since Newly is helping Jessica watch the Long Branch and the younger ones." Johnny was somewhat defiant.

"All right, you two are just as stubborn as he is", Doc grumbled at them, pointing to Matt. "Kitty, if he wakes up, one teaspoon of laudanum would do. That is if you can get the stubborn fool to take it. Wake me up if anything happens. Lock the door, Johnny." Doc and Dr. Sam went into their bedroom.

The streets of Dodge were quiet now, the late hour most citizens were asleep. Louie Pheeters stumbled down the middle of main street looking. Seeing Festus, he came up to him, smelling of whiskey.

"Festus, I got to talk to the marshal." Louie's words were mumbled. "I got to talk to him right now."

"Not now Louie, the marshal was shot, and old doc is working on him." Festus said.

"I know who shot him," Louie grabbed his vest.

"Who?" Festus asked squinting one eye at him.

"That uncle of the children, standing over there did it. When everyone made a fuss, he ducked in the aisles and made his way to Dodge House. I followed him. Then I looked for you or Mr. Newly."

"Good Louie, go to the jail and sleeps on one of the cots. Newly is with the youngins. If you eyeball Dakota, send him to the jail." Festus went looking for Dakota and after 15 minutes of looking, went to the jail house where he did find him.

"Did Louie jaw you what he saw?" Festus asked him.

"Yes, that it was Spenser. Hillman, we really don't have proof. Just his word and any two-bit lawyer can talk Spenser's way out."

"Youngin, you always eyeball the wrong side. We'se just got to get more proof. Beat it out of him."

"Matt won't like that. So, we can't do it here in the town. Let's wait a couple of days and go hunting." Dakota suggested.

"Hunting?" Festus looked at him. "I thought Louie was the one drunk."

"Nah, hillman. We tell them we are going hunting and then we sneak back and take Spenser with us. At night. Then we get the truth and the proof. Sorta a reckoning concerning one Albert Spenser.

TBC

Chapter 13: Alberts Reckoning

For a week after the shooting, Matt rested up in the bedroom or the parlor. He would pace the hallway when he was bored, but that would only satisfy him a bit. With no real proof, other that Louie's story, he really could not lock Spenser up. Festus, Newly and Dakota were taking shifts, both day and night, watching Spenser. This they knew was placing pressure on him. Festus and Newly would keep their distance from him, Dakota seemed to have no problem in talking or even accusing Spenser outright. The talk wasn't always polite, Dakota believed to get to the topic and settle it.

Spenser decided to play cards at the Long Branch. He joined the high table that three others were at. Laying out 500.00 on the table, he groaned when he saw another pile of money hit the table. Dakota Smith sat down beside him. "Evening Spenser." Dakota nodded to him.

"Why are you here Smith." Spenser snarled at him.

"I'm gambling." Was Dakota's response as he downed a whiskey.

Things were quiet for a couple of hours. One of the other men bowed out of the game, whining about losing 'egg money' or something of that nature. Dakota decided now was the time to speak up with more than, 'I need two cards'. "You plan on visiting the marshal Spenser?"

"Yeah, hear that he got shot. In the back I believe." Said the one man.

"Some coward that one is." Said the other. "Human sensibility and decently calls for calling a man out." He shook his head.

"Maybe the marshal deserves it." Stammered Spenser. "Hasn't the marshal ever shot someone in the back, in his line of work."

"Matt Dillion is a strong, decent man. A good marshal. When he first came here, this town and area was horrible. Raising a family was hard on people. He got law and order sewn up in this town." Said the first guy.

"He has a family now, seems happy." Dakota stated. "You can tell that he is loved by them, and that he loves his family."

Albert Spenser had enough of goody two-boots Dillion. He abruptly stood up, grabbed his money and was heading out. He was surprised that Smith did not follow him, however the minute that he stepped outside the Long Branch, there was Festus.

Back inside Dakota Smith finish the hand and picked up his money. He then surprised Sam by walking up the stairs to the family section of the saloon. He found who he was looking for. Big Matt Dillion was sitting in his chair reading the paper. Matt looked up and saw the young man standing in the doorway. He waved Dakota in, put down his newspaper and waited until Dakota sat down.

"Evening Matt. How are you feeling? Ready to go back to work?" Dakota inquired about the marshal's health.

"I am doing just fine. What is the report? Or are you up here with something else?" Matt studied the young man.

"Good to hear. Well, let's see. We have kept up the tailing of Spenser. Other than gambling in the Long Branch, he has done nothing unusual."

Matt looked at him, "I don't think as long as one of you is following him, that he is going to do something stupid like rob a bank."

"So, when is the big day you plan on walking down the street letting the towns people know their marshal is back.

"Tomorrow is the plan. Even if Doc doesn't like it. I can't just sit here waiting for Spenser to do something more."

Dakota nodded in agreement. "Where is the family?"

"Seems to be everywhere. Jessica is handling the gun shop, since Newly is on Spenser. Inventory she said. Johnny is working on Doc's new clinic. Matty and Lilly are in their room, reading."

"Newly won't let anything happen to Jessica." Dakota chuckled a bit. "So, when is the wedding for you and Kitty. There is going to be a wedding, right?"

"I don't know. Kitty won't talk about it. I try to, but she changes the subject. What do you know about women?"

"In my very limited experience with women, seems that there is always something up their claw, but they don't want to tell you. It's like they hold it over you. Does Kitty have something up in her claw."

Matt sat there and thought about it when the young man left. Did Kitty have something bothering her. He figured that maybe she would talk about it when she came up for the night. Then, perhaps he should go down there and bring her something. What could he bring her.

He stood up and headed to the bedroom. Then it dawn on him. He knew she was working on the books and inventory. However, she would still be on her feet for most of it, not to mention if she had to go out into the saloon section. He went to where she keep most of her shoes. He spotted her slippers she loved to wear when he feet hurt. After picking up the slippers, he grabbed her a cup of coffee and went down to her office. Knocking on the door, she answered and was surprised to see him.

"Matt, is everything alright? The children?" A sound of fear was in her voice.

"I am fine. A little bored. Can I come in?"

"Yes, of course." She stood back so he could enter.

Matt entered the office, and she shut the door. "I thought you might want a cup of coffee. And I know, on days like today your feet hurt." Showing her the slippers, she smiled a large smile.

"You know me so well Cowboy", accepting the cup of coffee. She went to her chair and sat the cup down on the table. Reaching for her slippers, Matt shook his head no. He grabbed the spare chair, slid it up to her and sat down. He picked up her right foot and took the shoe off. Then he proceeded to give her foot a massage. Kitty appreciated it and demonstrated how much by leaning back and placing her left foot up on his leg. Matt did the same for that foot and then he leaned over to her and kissed her tenderly. After the kiss, Matt, not really wanting to leave, scooted the chair back and stood up. "I will have a hot bath waiting for you tonight. We can then continue this" he grinned his boyish grin that he had for her. He pick up her work shoes, reached out and caress her face and left.

Newly trailed Spenser to his room. Albert turned to him "Are you going to tuck me in deputy?" trying to crack a joke.

"I don't think that's part of my job description." Newly replied.

Albert leaned against the wall by his door. "You know O'Brien. When you married that girl, we will be related even if you would hate it. You would be my nephew. And when the babies come, Uncle Albert will be there to greet them one and all."

Newly digested this, and then looked straight faced at Spenser. "That will be something Jessica and I shall discuss. How much, if any visitation you shall have."

Albert smiled at him, "Jessica loves me. She will allow me to see them whenever I want. Especially the little darling daughters you will have." With that, and seeing the young deputy grow red, he enter his bedroom and closed the door.

Dakota went and found Festus. "I just talked to Matt, and he is planning to work tomorrow. He is fine."

"Then We'se need to go ahead with our plan. We best get the horses and you mule ready. Newly will fume, but he needs to be here, in case so other yahoo comes into town."

"It feels funny to not include Matt." Dakota stated as the entered Moss stables.

Festus went to Spenser's horse and started saddling it. "Matthew would just say no. We'se don't need to worries him non.

They got Spenser horse, their mounts and Dakota's mule saddled and loaded. Quietly then exit Moss's stables and then headed to the back of The Dodge House. Securing their mounts, they went up the back stairs and walked quietly over to Newly. Newly was surprised to see them.

"Spenser went to bed. What are you two doing here?" Newly's mind raced with ideas of what the other two were up to.

"Never mind Newly. Youse go on home now. Jessy is by herself, and you should be there to walk her home." Festus motioned for him to go.

Newly looked at Dakota and then back to Festus. "You two are up to something and the marshal isn't going to like it, is he."

"Nope, might be right down angry at us." Dakota fess up.

"Newly, the less you know, the better. Now go on home to your shop." Festus took Newly by the shoulder and moved him into the direction of the exit.

Once Newly started moving towards the exit, Dakota proceeded to open the door and head over towards the bed. Albert wasn't quite asleep and sat up startled. "What the hell are you doing here?"

"Your choice, get dress quickly or leave naked." Snarled Dakota with his rifle pointed at Spenser.

Spenser got out of bed and looked a bit more startled when Festus entered and shut the door. Dakota went over to the dresser and quip to Festus to watch Spenser. Grabbing all of Spenser's clothing and then personal stuff, he shoved it into the carpet bag.

"I don't know what you two think you're doing, but kidnapping is against the law. Is your marshal that unlawful, he would send his deputies to do this."

"Shut your yapper Spenser." Festus said, "Or I'se shut it for you."

"I see it this way Spenser. You come along quietly, and we don't hog tie and gag you, or you could talk, and I knock you unconscious."

Albert realized that Smith would do it, knock him unconscious and who knows what else. Besides, the marshal would come hunt for him, only because he was obliged to. Unless of course he really did send these two clowns to kidnap him. The trio hurried out of the room, down the back staircase and mounted up onto their horses. Festus legged chain Spenser's left leg and toss the chains under the horses belly to Dakota. Dakota chained Spenser's right leg and made sure Spenser was secured.

"Hey, thought you said if I came quietly, no tying or gaging." Spenser protested.

"So, I lied." Dakota stated as he and Festus mounted up. Heading out the alleyway, they first headed one way and then turned into the heavy hoof printed traffic and proceeded the opposite way.

Newly went to his shop, scratching his head as to what was happening, or what he thought was happening. Unlocking the door to his shop, he called out to Jessica, so that she would not be afraid that someone was breaking and entering.

"Hi, I thought Festus was going to come and get me. You were on guard duty. I got the inventory done, the books I haven't started yet."

Newly walked over to her, looking into her eyes. A smug of dirty was on her right cheek and he lifted his hand to wipe it. "Something odd is going on Jessy."

"What is odd?" She asked him.

"Festus and Dakota came to your uncle's room and Festus dismissed me. Told me to come here and be with you. They are up to something and I not sure what. But I don't think it is the right thing they are doing."

Jessy took his hand and looked up at him. "Something else is bothering you, isn't it."

Nodding his head yes, Newly started "Spenser mentioned that when I marry you, he will be my uncle. Which reminded me, that he was your uncle. Then he mentioned children and he would always be welcomed to visit, especially the girls. When he said all this, I wanted to hit him. Jessy, I know he is your uncle, but would you allow him to be around your children?"

She sighed a little bit and took his other hand. "Newly, he is my uncle because he is my mother's brother. That's all he is to me. I have never, nor do I wish to be close to him. He will not be welcome at my wedding, my home and lands, or in the lives of my children. I promise you that. I will always do my best to protect all that I love."

"Why did he mentioned the girls specifically" he asked quietly.

"Because he did." She whispered back. Newly placed his forehead on hers.

"I will protect you until my last breath Jessica."

"I know Newly, I know."

TBC

Chapter 14: Bad Boys, What's not to Love

True to his word, Matt had a very warm bath waiting for her when she came up to the quarters for the night. He had poured her favorite lavender oils into the water, had on a stool her towel, washcloth, and favorite soap. There were candles everywhere lit giving off a warm glow in the room. Hanging on the hook on the wall was her favorite robe. She came in and Matt met her at the door, removing the books she carried upstairs. "Here, let me put them up. Everything in order?"

Plopping down on the loveseat, she sighed. "Everything is in order, finally. Sometimes Matt, as much as I love having my own business, I wish I didn't have it."

He sat down beside her and took her in his arms. "I know, sometimes I wish I didn't have my job. But here we are, and who we are." He kissed her temple. "I promised you a warm bath and it is ready." He stood up and helped her up off the loveseat. Slowly he helped her remove the dress she was wearing and the underclothing until she was naked before him. Admiring her body, he sucked his lips. "If I don't put you into the tub now, you won't get that bath I promised you." He picked her up into his arms and headed towards the bath.

"There are many ways to relax you know cowboy", she said draping her arms around his neck, sucking here and there on him.

"First one, then the other." He set her down into the warm water, at first, she objected until he sat on another stool, reached over her handing her a glass of cognac. He began to take out the hair pins in her hair and once it was done, he ran his fingers through her hair. He planted a kiss on the side of her neck, and she moaned. "Do you want your hair washed my lady?" He whispered into her ear.

"Tomorrow. What I would like is for you to join me in this wonderful bath cowboy. Now."

Matt chuckled a bit and began to undress. Once naked he stepped into the bath behind her. She leaned back against him and smiled at the reaction she got from him. He massaged her neck, shoulders and lower back. "Keep this up, I might have to keep you, Marshal."

Surprised "What?" He could not believe his ears.

She laugh out loud and then he joined her. "Any trouble with the children tonight?" She looked back at him, turning slightly in the tub.

"Well, Lilly has informed me that she is becoming a woman and that boys, including daddy's must knock before entering. She used a lot of Jessica's body powder. Maria stormed in and gave her the 'what for' and then a second bath with some scrubbing"

"Oh my! Well, there will be some choice words from Jessica to Lillian in the morning." Kitty remark.

"And Jessica did not get home until 11:00 pm tonight. I know he was doing deputy duty tonight, and like you, inventory and supplies were to be counted. But, Kitty, 11:00 pm. She was so tired she went to bed not noticing that there is powder all over the place."

"I will talk to her tomorrow. Maybe you should speak to Newly about it."

"And Newly," Matt started.

"Wait, how did he get into this discussion?" She turned around lacing her legs over his.

"Just strange. He had duty until the morning. Yet, he was the one who walked her home, not Festus as arranged. He said that Festus relieved him." Matt shook his head.

"I see. Well, you definitely need to talk to him."

"Matty is going to run away from school and joined the circus. I did tell him that in order to be a doctor he needed schooling. He looked at me like I became the devil and went to his room mumbling something about sawbones horse doctors don't need school. He flung himself onto his bed and pulled up the covers over his head and 'fake snoring' so I would go away."

Kitty lowered her head slightly so that Matt could not see her face that had a huge smile on it. However, Matt had taken a washcloth, lathered it up with soap and lifted her face and slowly, carefully washed her face.

"And the boy," he stated

"Johnny?"

"Yes, your son," he continued.

"Our son." She corrected.

"That boy is such a handful. And rebellious streak in him. I found him after Jessica came home, in the cellar working on a table. Didn't want to get up to bed. Wanted to know if he could move down there since he works down there."

Kitty started to laugh, splashed her face clean of the face paint and soap. "That would be our Johnny."

"He can get his butt into a chair for meals, he can get his butt into bed for the night." Matt played pouted.

"Did papa have a bad day with the children?"

"I might have." He took her face into his hands. "Will mama make it better?" Kitty did not answer but leaned in and captured his mouth, sucking his tongue into hers. Their kiss became hot and heavy, and she mounted on top of him, sliding him inside of her. Their motion was a slow dance of two bodies until they could not delay their release. Exploding inside of her, squeezing him with her body, they collapsed together and just laid there, breathing hard. After a while, they climbed out of the tub when the water was turning cold and they dried each other off. Walking hand in hand, they went into the bedroom, Kitty putting on a simple nightgown and Matt don an union suit. Climbing into bed, Kitty laid her head down on his chest. Soon the soft sounds of sleeping came from Kitty. Matt looked down at her and smiled. The day was rough, the children going 100 different ways and demands for everything seem to come from left and right. She was gone most of the day, and their lovemaking, explosive and wonderful as usual. But this, this right here was worth all the headaches, small moments in time. Her in his arms, trusting him that all was right with the world.

Festus, Dakota and a very angry Albert rode through the night, stopping in the lower part of the hills. Dakota led them to an abandoned mine that at times he used when tracking wanted men. Securing Spenser inside the opening of the mine. Uncinching horses and the mules, Festus started a fire, while Dakota prepared the coffee pot. Handing Spenser a couple of biscuits and jerky, Dakota double checked his bindings.

Sharing a pot of coffee, Festus spoked to Dakota. "So, the plan youngin. What's we to do's now."

"Not sure, thought you would have a plan. I got us to here."

Spenser laughed out loud at the two of them. "My big bad kidnappers don't know what to do next. Isn't that just grand, just special."

"Shut your yapper Spenser, or's I shuts it for you." Festus grumbled.

"Let's get some sleep hillman. Something will come to me by morning." Dakota went over to Spenser, tied a rope to the leg irons, shoved Spenser onto his back, and tossed the rope up and over a beam. He secured the rope to another beam, and then took handcuff's and secured his hands. Dakota thought about whether or not he should gag Spenser, decided that it would be to their benefit to gag him. Unrolling their bedrolls and dousing the fire, Festus and Dakota closed their eyes for some sleep. Spenser attempted for the next few hours to get lose.

Morning came early, it seemed to the Dillion household. Noise waffled down the hallway from the children's bedrooms to Matt and Kitty's room. Matt was already up and dress when he heard Lilly screeched loudly and woke up Kitty.

"I will take care of this." Matt sounded slightly mad. "You go back to sleep if you can."

Yawning, Kitty looked up at him and seeing that he was now strapping on his gun belt, "You're not going to shoot them, are you?"

"I might", he flashed her his boyish smile.

Heading down the hallway, he startled the four children by saying "enough." All four of them froze in place. "All four of you, downstairs for breakfast."

"Father, we eat…" she did not finish.

"Downstairs. Johnny, go let Maria know we will have breakfast in the main room. Now!" Johnny startled for a moment and then ran down to the kitchen to let Maria know, and to do whatever he could to help.

Moments later, Matt and the other three Dillions came down the stairs and sat at the round table in the back of the saloon. Jessica poured milk while Maria served oatmeal and bacon. There was no sound coming from the group of people.

"Your mother worked very hard yesterday and deserved to sleep in. So here are the new rules. Bedtime is to be strictly adhered to. So that means, Johnny, no you can't move downstairs and yes, you will be in your bed by 11. That goes for you Jessica, home by 10, bed by 11. Matty, no more complaining about school unless you have a problem you need help with. Lilly, if you get into Jessica's items again, you will get a tanning. No unnecessary noise in the morning, and no screaming, yelling or any other loud noises. Do you all understand?"

A chorus of yes father, papa, and pa's sounded from the children. After breakfast, Johnny took the younger two to school and then headed towards the hardware store, expecting to meet up with Festus and Dakota. Back at the Long Branch, Kitty dressed for the day will come down from the family quarters. She, Matt and Jessica were sitting around the table having coffee and some sweet rolls that Maria made.

"Jessica, you can't come in so late. Makes your father here very worried." Kitty stated.

"I understand Mother, and I will speak to Newly when I see him." Jessica reassured her parents.

Doc Adams came scuffling into the Long Branch and headed over to where the trio were sitting. "Morning Matt, Kitty, Jessica." He sat down and Maria brought over a cup and saucer. Doc reached for a sweet roll and took a drink of coffee.

"Where's Sammatha", Kitty inquired.

"Back at the office. She is not overly happy with Dakota. Seems he didn't come home last night. I figured that he might have found a 'very nice lady' and decided to talk the night away."

"He shouldn't worry grandma like that." Jessica said quietly.

"That is why she is a bit upset with him." Doc took a bit bite.

"Well Doc, the boy is used to coming and going as he pleases. Maybe he decided to go bounty hunting." Suggested Matt.

A few minutes later, Johnny came storming into the Long Branch, dragging a wagon behind him, fuming. Pulling out a chair, he slammed his body into the chair. Seeing the sweet rolls, "Ma, may I have one." His voice was deep and rough.

"Yes Johnny, help yourself. Is something bothering you?" Kitty inquired of her son.

"Festus and Dakota, they are bothering me. They were to meet me 20 minutes ago at the hardware store and they are no shows. Grandma tells me that Dakota did not come home last night, and the door to the office pa, is locked."

Matt looked to Kitty and then to Doc. Standing up, he leaned over and kiss the top of Kitty's head. "Johnny, walk Jessy to work and ask Newly to come to the office. Doc?"

Johnny, Jessy and Doc all stood up. Johnny did as his father requested, escorting his sister to the gun shop. He let Newly know that their father wanted to see him. Doc went with Matt to the office and like Johnny had said, the door to the office was locked. Unlocking and opening the door, Matt cautiously went in. There was no sign of his deputy, or that he even spent the night there.

"Wait here Doc. I want to check out something. When Newly arrives, keep him here." Matt walked out of the office in a brisked walk over to the Dodge House. Doc stood by the doorway watching the tall man stride to his destination. Then he saw Newly heading towards the office. Doc decided to busy himself making coffee. Lord knows they are all going to need it, knowing the marshal's mood.

Newly paced until Matt returned. Matt entered the office, hung his hat up and looked at Newly. "Tell me about last night." He demanded.

"Well marshal. I was in the hallway watching Spenser's room when Festus and Dakota came up. Festus told me to go and walk Jessica home and that he and Dakota were taking over. Since I was furious at what Spenser told me, or implied, I thought it best that I headed back to my shop."

"I see." Matt ran his hand through his hair. "Seems those two idiots took Spenser, to god knows where, to do god knows what."

"I didn't know they had taken him, or I didn't really care." Newly sat down and laid his arms on knees, folding his fingers together.

"What exactly did Spenser say to make you so upset." Doc Adams asked

Newly looked up to the man, "I can't say."

"You can't say? Why the hell not?" Matt voice was commanding and held much authority.

"No sir, I can't." Newly could not look into the marshal's eyes.

"It has to do with my daughter, doesn't it." Matt demanded.

"You will need to ask her." Newly asked quietly.

Festus and Dakota woke up, fixed some coffee and beans and discuss their next plan with Spenser.

"Could we sell him to an Indian tribe?" suggest Dakota

"Why in tarnation do we want to do that to the Indians?"

"We could just leave him here." Dakota countered.

"We'se already in straights with Matthew. We'se got to figures this out." Festus looked at Spenser.

"Let's take him back to St. Louis. We can telegraph Dodge to let them know where we are at. We can make the trip miserable for Spenser. I am sure the sheriff might have some questions."

"Now, that there is some good thinking. What should we say we are doing with him as a prisoner." Festus pondered.

"That we are two deputies that are taking back a wanted man to St. Louis." Dakota smiled. "Nothing in the book says we have to be nice about it."

TBC

Chapter 15: The Road to and from St. Louis

Since he could do nothing about Festus, Dakota or Spenser, nor the crypt statement from Newly, Matt decided to just walk the town for now. Focus on his job, the town, his family and just what he might plan to do if and when the two deputies returned. They better have a good reason to have done what they did.

Kitty knew that Matt would not get away for lunch. She swung by the kitchen and picked up a picnic basket from Maria. She then stopped and chatted a few minutes with Sam, letting him know where she would be. He reassured her that he had everything under control at the bar. She smiled and walked out the batwings of the saloon and felt a sense of freedom. It seemed strange that since Spenser was taken away from the town, the freedom it brought. Except for Matt. The boys disappearance meant that he would be more tied down to the job. Crossing the street, she entered the office with a basket in front of her and a smile spreading across her face.

Hearing the door to the office open, Matt looked up from the stack of paperwork that he faced. Seeing Kitty, he stood up and went to her, "Well honey, what brings you here?" He took the basket from her, knowing full well why she was here.

"It's close to 1'oclock and I know you haven't eaten yet. And you not eating will make you cranky." She opened the basket after he set it down on the table. Pulling out a couple of sandwiches, potato salad, a couple of apples and cookies, she motioned for him to sit down. She then went and poured two cups of coffee. "I know you cant get away, so I thought you might like lunch come to you." She place the cup of coffee in front of him.

"This is fine Kitty, just fine. I was getting hungry. And I appreciate the offer of food delivery." He took a large bite of the sandwich. "This hits the mark honey. I really needed this."

"Matt, umm" she started. "Will you be home for dinner?"

"Unless Dodge decides to burn down, I will be." He took an apple and cut it into half, handing her one half. "Kitty, I wont be able to be home at night. Someone has to man the office, and I haven't discussed this with Newly."

"I see." She said quietly.

"I am sorry Kitty, but with Festus gone, I have to be here. I will be home to help get the younger two in bed. And to spend some time with you."

"You would think that after all these years I would be alright with it. I just miss us cuddling at night."

"I know. I am kind of use to sharing a bed with you at night. Guess I will just have to be creative when it comes to you. Perhaps, I should just court you all over again." He will smile his smile at her. "Walk you back to the Long Branch, Miss Russell?"

"Why yes marshal. I heard this is a rough town." Kitty laughed as she picked up the picnic basket. She was very surprised when Matt took it from her hands.

"No lady of mine will carry anything if I can help it." He stated as he place his Stetson on his head and opened the door. "Kitty, can you talk to Jessy. Something that Newly said, or didn't say bothers me. Something happened to her, or she saw something. Newly isn't talking about it, so it isn't about him."

"Sure Matt. I noticed that she seems edger than normal. I will find out, if she will talk."

Festus and Dakota rode hard, which meant the Spenser rode hard. They left his hands bound and employed the leg chains under the horse. For six hours they rode hard, before they stopped for a break. The ride was not only hard on the men, but hard on the horses and mules. Coming up to a small town, Festus and Dakota decided to stop for the night. Securing their mounts in what passed as a stable, they found that the local inn only had one room left, with two beds. Dakota paid for the night, asked about hot food to find out that the inn offered stew and bread that night.

Entering the room, they noticed that no one asked about Spenser being chained up. Most of the people of this shanty town seemed to take the attitude of "it's not my business.". Tossing the bedrolls down in a corner of the room, Dakota planted Spenser in that corner. "Make yourself comfortable Spenser. We are here for the night."

"Cant you let me out of these chains?" Spenser pleaded.

"Do I look like me Aunt Bessy Hagan to you" Festus started. "That there was a foolish she-male if there ever was one."

"Save the story hillman. I am sure that Spenser there would be happy to hear the story before bedtime." Dakota quipped. "Let's get some food and then some shut eye. On your feet Spenser."

The trio made their way to were a couple of tables with chairs were. Pointing to one for Spenser, Festus and Dakota sat on each side of him. One of the men inquired about why Spenser was chained up and Festus spoke to the man. "See this here badge. We are escorting this murder to his final resting place." The man grunted and began eating the greasy fat render beef stew. The vegetables were few, the beef stringy and tough, and the broth was more grease then broth. The bread that was passed out was a least a day old, and the beer was warm. But it was food, and the three men ate greedily. After dinner, they retired to their room and secured Spenser down as much as possible.

"If you try or if you succeed in escaping, I will hunt you down and bury you somewhere in the plains of Kansas up to your neck and pour something sticky on you. And then I will forgot where I buried you." Dakota made sure that Spenser was looking at him eye to eye. "Understand? Good, get some sleep."

"Youngin, you cant do that you know." Festus asked him from his back staring into the ceiling.

"Yea, I can hillman. We are just about 6 hours away from Garden City. Be a good place to send a telegram to Dodge and lets think hard about taking the train the rest of the way."

"Sounds like youse been planning youngin." Festus rolled over and fell asleep snoring. Dakota laid there listening to his snores, wondering how Doc Adams and Sammatha was doing. Tomorrow they will get to Garden City, send word to both Dodge and St. Louis, and board a train. For the first time in his life, he was actually homesick.

Kitty wanted to talk to Jessica, but the saloon was hopping that night. One of her girls called off and Sam was completely swamped. She didn't even have time to talk to Doc and Matt when they came in. Neither one of them stayed long. The bar closed at 1 a.m., and she locked Sam out and headed upstairs. Scampering down the hallway was a six-year-old who should have been asleep. Lilly ran up to her in a hurry.

"Mama, Jessy crying in her sleep, I think. Maybe she is having one of those bad dreams."

"Well, lets go and see. I will check on Jessica and you get yourself back to bed." Kitty took Lilly's hand and hurried to the girls' bedroom. When they entered, the light from the lantern in the hallway flood the room and it startled Jessy. She screamed out loud and sat up practically jumping out of bed.

Kitty went to her and grabbed her, calling her name. Lilly, placing her hands on her mouth, tears started down her face. The boys, hearing the scream and came running in, Johnny had his rifle in his hands. Jessy crumbled to the ground, crying and Lilly backed up against her bed. Not sure what was going on, Kitty was surprised when Johnny handed his rifle to her and went on the ground beside Jessy, who then cling to her twin. They spoke a language to each other that Kitty did not understand. Matty went to Lilly and placed an arm around her shoulders. Lilly turned into his chest and placed her thumb into her mouth. Kitty just stood there for a moment looking at the scene before her.

"My god. What happened? What is going on?" She asked.

Matty looked at the twins and then to his mother. "Jessy had an Uncle Albert dream." He said plainly.

TBC

Chapter 16: Meanwhile in Dodge

Kitty Russell knew what Matty's words meant, even if she did not want to believe it could have happened. Her hatred for Spenser doubled, or even tripled upon those words. She went down onto her knees beside the young girl. Slowly she took her out of her brothers arms and Jessica cling onto her.

"Johnny, get dressed and fetch your father. Don't tell him why, just tell him that he is needed here. Then wake your grandparents up, tell them we are all coming up to their office."

Johnny thought for a moment, "Should I wake Newly up?" Jessica nodded in Kitty's arms and Kitty then nodded yes. Johnny took off to his room, grabbed his pants putting them on, slid his bare feet into his boots. Matty came in to get dress himself and he looked to his older brother.

"Mama is really upset." He whispered as he put on his pants.

"I know." Johnny grabbed his gun belt and put it on.

"I wish we would have killed him." Matty sat down on the lower bunk. "I wish I could have killed him."

"Matty," Johnny placed his hand on Matty's shoulder. "We did the best we could. We were just too young." Johnny grabbed his coat and hat. "We have to be strong for them. You take care of them until Pa gets back here.

"I will," Matty declared as he watched his older brother leave the room. Finishing getting dress himself, he went back into the girls room and stood by Lilly. Kitty was rocking a crying Jessica who for the first time in a long while let her walls down.

Johnny made record time to the Marshal's office. Finding the door locked, he pounded on the door. "Pa, Pa, open up. It me, Johnny."

Matt jerked awake and jumped up of the cot. He went over to the door, looking at the clock. What the hell was the boy doing out this late at night? Matt opened the door, and Johnny pushed his way in. "Ma needs you back home. Needs you really bad. Not as the marshal, but as pa. I have to go wake up the grandparents."

"What's going on? Who's hurt? Your Mother?" Matt went and put on his boots. Kitty would not ask Johnny to come here demanding he come home unless it is important.

"I got to go Pa." Johnny swallowed hard and took off. When he reached the stairs to the Doctor's office, he took them two at a time. Pounding hard, he called out to them.

"Alright, alright. I coming. Hold your pants on." Doc Adams got out of bed and headed towards the door. Hearing that it was Johnny, he hurried to the door and opened it. "Johnny, what, who is hurt. What's going on." Dr. Sammatha hearing the words from her husband, she got up and put on a bathrobe, exiting the bedroom.

"It's Jessica. Pa is on his way to the Long Branch, and the family will be here soon. I have to get Newly." Johnny didn't wait for an answer, took off down the stairs and as he headed towards the gun shop, saw his father heading up the back stairs.

Bursting through the back door, Matt called out to Kitty. Matty came running to him and pointed. "Ma is in the girl's room." Matt went immediately there and saw Kitty rocking a crying Jessica.

Bending down to the floor, Matt looked at Kitty and then to Jessica. He reached out to her with his hand, but Jessica pulled quickly away from him. He looked back to Kitty. Deep down he knew what that implied, however he chose not to react to it for now. "Lilly sweetie, get me Jessy's robe." Lilly did as she was requested and handed it to her father.

"Jessica, we need to get you to your grandparents. Your mother cant carry you, but I can. Would you put on your robe and let me pick you up and carry you." Jessica nodded a bit and let Kitty help her with her robe. Slowly she stood up and almost collapsed again, but Matt caught her and picked her up. Kitty lead the way out the door, instructing Matty to hold Lilly's hand. They made their way over to Doc's office and met Newly on the way. Matt glared at Newly before heading up the stairs. Dr. Sammatha opened the door and let Matt carry her inside.

Once Matt laid her on the exam table, Doc scooted him outside letting only Kitty to come in the office. Outside, Newly was sitting on a step, hands in fist, head lowered a bit and anger filled his eyes. Matty and Lilly were sitting side by side huddled together. Johnny was down on the sidewalk pacing. He looked up to his father, who headed down the stairs to him.

"Johnny, was it only Jessica?"

"Isn't that enough?" Johnny quipped back at his father.

"Johnny," Newly interjected. "Was it only her?"

"Nothing happened to me daddy. Jessy wouldn't let him."

"Why didn't you tell someone?" Matt wanted to know.

"Like who?" Johnny let his anger know. "Aunt Penelope knew but didn't say anything. You, you were not around remember. The job, remember that."

"She didn't want anyone to know." Newly spoke up as he stood up and headed up the stairs. "I only found out because Spenser goated me about it."

"Why didn't you say anything?" Matt demanded.

"Jessica tries to be strong for the four of them, but it's hard on her." Newly stated plainly. "She thought that coming here would put everything in the past and buried there."

"Yeah, that didn't work out to well, did it?" Johnny spatted out.

Newly looked at him, and then to Matt. "I wanted her to tell you and Miss Kitty, but she has a stubborn streak about her."

"If I had known, I would have done something." Matt reasoned.

"What would you have done? Brought us back to Dodge? Finally married Kitty. You…were…not…there." Johnny stood toe to toe to his father. Matt still had seven inches on him, and right then, he did not know if Johnny would attacked him or not.

"Johnny, I made a few mistakes, but I am here now, and I will do what I need to do. Spenser will pay for this." Matt squared his shoulders to his son.

"A few mistakes…" Johnny scoffed and then turned around like he was going to stomp off. Then he turned around, with his fists clenched. Matty moved between the two of them and looked at Johnny.

"Johnny please." Matty started. "We are family, nothings different. Jessy needs us. We finally became what we needed. A family. Don't let Uncle Albert ruin it. We need to be strong just like you told me we had to be. Please..."

Johnny lowered his eyes and moved dirty with his foot. As much as he wanted to hate the world, he could not. He could hate his uncle, but not his father. And Matty now acting like the older brother that he should be.

Newly watched from the top steps, understanding the anger Johnny was feeling. He never felt this feeling of helplessness before. Beside him, the door open and Kitty was standing there. "Marshal", he called down to Matt. Everyone looked up and Kitty stepped outside, nodding towards the office for Matt to come up.

Matt scaled the stairs as fast as he could. Walking into the office, he did not see Jessica. Looking at Kitty, his eyes showed his question, asking where she is.

"I have her in Dakota's room since he isn't here. I gave her something to help her sleep. I want to talk more with her tomorrow and do a more in-depth exam." Doctor Sammatha stated.

"What caused this?" Matt asked.

"Sometimes trauma can cause nightmares. She broke, how bad, we don't know. She wants to see you then Newly." Doc Adams added.

"In here," he pointed to the door to Dakota's room.

"Yes. Just be easy with her." Kitty took his hand, and they went into the room. Jessica looked up as they entered the room.

"Mother, Father. I am so sorry for being so much trouble." Jessica whispered.

"Nonsense Jessy. I should have been there for you. Forgive me." Matt spoked quietly to her.

"It's not your fault. I am sorry I didn't say anything Mother. I should have talked to you."

"Ah Jessica. We have our entire lives to talk. Right now, you sleep, and I will be back tomorrow." Kitty leaned over and kissed her daughter goodnight. Matt followed suit and insured her that they loved her.

"Is Newly out there?" Jessica asked wondering.

"Yes, we will send him in if you wish." Kitty replied

"Please. We need to talk."

"Your suppose to be resting." Matt said.

"If Mother was here instead of me and wanted to see you, would she be resting." Jessica countered.

"No, I guess she wouldn't. I will send him in." Matt patted her hand and then escorted Kitty out.

In the office, Galen and Sammatha were discussing what they would check Jessica out for the next day and who would be the one to do it. Seeing the parents come out of the office, they put their discussion on hold. Matt went to the outer door, opened it and stepped out.

"Johnny, everything is fine. Do you think you can get the three of you home? I will escort your mother."

"Yes sir, I can. Come on you two." Johnny lifted up Lilly who was busy yawning and carried her while Matty followed.

"Newly, please come in here." Matt continued.

"Yes sir." Newly entered the office and waited. Matt closed the door behind him.

"Matt, they were discussing what exams they would like to do tomorrow. I think that Newly should be in on this." Kitty stated as those it was a done deal.

"Are you sure that he should hear such things?" asked Doc

"Newly. I know from experience that Matt had to be in this 100%. Either that or he had to get out completely." Kitty looked at the young gunsmith.

"I am in 100%." Newly said with conviction.

"Alright folks. I won't hold back. She needs a compete exam that Sammatha will do. Kitty, we need you here early. We have to check for all kinds of issues, blood work up, physical damage, everything. There are diseases out there she might have been exposed to. If she could conceive or bear children. Other such items."

Matt and Newly turned slightly red in the face, anger danced across their eyes. Newly bunched up his fist and Matt ran his hand through his hair. Kitty went and stood between the two of them. "We have to think of her, of how long this may have gone on, how young." She said to them. "Don't go and do anything foolish." She hugged Newly who hugged her tightly.

"Whatever she needs Miss Kitty. Can I go in and see her?" He straighten himself up and looked towards the doctors.

"Yes, Newly. I think that would be an excellent idea. Get her to sleep, she has had something, but she might be scared." Sammatha went and opened the door. Newly nodded and poked his head in.

"Up to some company?" he will asked quietly to Jessica.

"Please Newly. Talk with me about the shop, the orders and inventory." Jessica asked.

Newly went in, slid the stuffed chair over and took her hand and talked softly too her until he knew she was asleep. He could not himself sleep, but dreamed about the many ways to make one Albert Spenser pay for what he had done.

Kitty and Matt bide Doc and Dr. Sam goodbye and left the office. Walking hand in hand down the stairs and towards the Long Branch, Kitty leaned into Matt. He released her hand and like many times before, placed his arm around her shoulders and waist.

"When does it stop Matt."

"I don't know. He will pay Kitty; I promise you this."

"How did I miss this? With my experience and background, I should have seen signs, anything."

"Kitty, tomorrow. Tomorrow, we talk about how to make their lives better, more secured and happier. We help them the best we can. Tonight, try to get some sleep." He escorted her up to the family quarters. Johnny was waiting for them.

"Matty is in bed in our room. I put Lilly down in your bed Ma. She didn't want to go back to her room tonight. I hope that is alright."

"Yes Johnny, it is. Now go to bed yourself son." Kitty hugged him and kissed his cheek.

Johnny blushed a bit and went to bed. Not sure if he could sleep, he spoke up to Matty. "You awake kiddo?"

"Nope, cant sleep Johnny." Matty looked over the edge of his bed. "Johnny, I have been plotting Uncle Alberts death again. Is that bad?"

"Not bad at all. Been doing that myself. Go to sleep Matty." Johnny rolled over and stared at the wall. On the other side should have been his twin sleeping. Coming here was to mark a new beginning. Why did Albert followed? He started plotting how to eliminate his uncle.

Matt and Kitty walked to their bedroom and heard a snoring little girl. Matt smiled and looked down at Kitty. He then took her face and kissed her lips, passionately and tenderly.

"I will be back in a few hours. Getting some sleep love. We have to conquer tomorrow."

"Matt, promise me…"

"Anything sweetheart."

"That you will take care of him." Coldness entered Kitty's voice.

"I promise he would not see the light of day when I am done." Matt's voice was just as cold.

TBC

Chapter 17: Wichita City

The trio entered Wichita City around 9:00 a.m. the next day. Looking around, Garden City was a growing town, much like Dodge City was growing, Only a bit nicer. The streets were hard pack which meant that they would not become muddy like Dodge's often did. There were a few more businesses in the town, a few more homes, a train station, and of course a few more saloons than Dodge had.

"Hillman, why don't you take Mr. I-am-so-exciting, over to that hotel and get us a place. I will send off a telegram to the marshal, get our train tickets and then put up our horses."

"Alright youngin, I just do that Come-on you flea bag let's get us a nice room with a bath. Can't stands the smell of you anys more." Festus grabbed the reins of Spenser's horse and lead the horse towards the hotel. Dakota headed towards the telegraph office to send the telegraph. In his head he wrote what he would send to the marshal. He should also send a message to Doc and Ma, that he could not figure out what to say. The marshal would be easy, just the facts. His new parents deserved an apology. He was not sure what to say in an apology.

He entered the telegraph office and went up to the counter. The telegraph operator was an older man, balding and his clothes were tattered. Looking up at Dakota, he tilted his head slightly looking the young man over, especially his long-braided hair.

"Want to send a telegraph young man?" the operator inquired.

"I want to send two." Dakota informed him.

"It's five cents a letter." The man looked at Dakota wondering if the young man could afford to send a telegraph.

"Fine, The first one is to Marshal Dillion, Dodge City." Dakota started, and when he noticed, the man had not started to write, he motioned for the man to start writing.

"Deputy Festus and I have arrived in Garden City with the prisoner. Prisoner is fine and we will continue with his care the best we can. Will continue our trip to St. Louis via train. Signed Deputy Dakota

"And the second one boy", the operator started the second one.

"To Dr. Adams and Dr. McTavish, Dodge City. Doc and Ma. Sorry that I left without telling you. Duty called. I am fine, healing nicely. I will be home in about a week. Dakota." He thought about how he ended the telegraph and told the operator to make it "Love Dakota."

"Your parents?" the operator questioned

"Yes, and sometimes in the line of duty, you have to leave quickly." Dakota looked at the man.

"You call your pa Doc?" The man shook his head.

"That's what ever one calls him, a problem with that?

"No, no problem." He started to add up what Dakota owed. He stopped when Dakota laid a 5.00 bill on the counter.

"I am staying at the hotel down the street. I will check in tomorrow before we leave to see if anyone replied. With that he exited and sought out a stable. Stabling his horse and his mule, he headed to the train station and purchase three tickets and planned for their mounts to St. Louis tomorrow and then gathered up Festus mule and the horse Spenser was on and took them to the stable.

Festus with Spenser in tow entered the hotel. Going up to the clerk who stared at the two men, he asked for a room with two beds. The clerk looked at Spenser who was in leg chains and handcuffs. Festus followed the man stare. "This here be my prisoner. He won't gives you no trouble. I am a deputy marshal from Dodge." Festus directed the man's intention to the badge.

"I see. Is it for the night or several nights." The clerk inquired.

"Just the night. There be another deputy that will mosey in here. Let the youngin know which room."

The clerk turned the guest register around and Festus signed in quickly with an X. "Name is Festus Haggin." Festus held out his hand for the key. The clerk handed him the key and directed him to room 3. Festus shoved Spenser towards the stairs and up them, towards the room they were given. Inside Festus pointed to the corner and told Spenser to make himself comfortable. About an hour later, Dakota knocked on the door and called out to Festus. Festus came over, opened the door, and let Dakota in.

"Not a bad room." Dakota looked around. "I think we can secured Spenser on the floor using one of the beds."

"Maybe's we secure him between the two beds. One arm, one bed." Festus piped up.

"Hey hillman, that sounds like a good idea." Dakota laugh at the suggestion.

"Just what are you two going to do to me." Spenser seemed a little bit nervous.

"Until we get to St. Louis, just about anything you could image. Don't know why you are so worried what we might do, I would be a bit scared about swinging from the end of a rope."

Spenser paled a bit, then recovered. "Any chance of food?" he tried diverting the conversation.

Festus looked to Dakota, "Well youngin, what should we do for some vittles?"

"How about you exploring the area and picking up something for the three of us. I need to rest a bit and well, me and Spenser here can have a jawing for a while." Dakota pulled a few bills out and handed them to Festus.

"Alright youngin. Lets me secure Spenser here and then I fetch us some vittles." Festus went over to Spenser, grabbed him by the handcuffs and dragged him to the bed closes to the window. Uncuffing on hand, Festus secured Spenser to the bed. "Youse just behave yourself or I will hang you from the ceiling when I gits back."

Festus left and Dakota stretch out on the opposite bed and stared at Dakota. "Spenser, what do you have against the Dillions?"

Spenser stared back at him, "Which Dillion." He sneered.

"Well, lets start with the twins. First Johnny and then Jessy." Dakota asked taking off his boots.

Spenser huffed. "The boy is unruly and does understand the value of being a Spenser. And he is always insufferable. Being a male Spenser, he would be set for life in a gentleman's way. But noooo, he wants to be some sort of cowboy. And maybe you should ask him what he has against me."

"I take it, the boy really hates you. Ever thought about the fact you're a slimy man around women? Like some sort of leech."

Spenser laughed in a way that sent a chill down Dakota's spine. "Boy you don't know a thing about women. They need to know their place, and some, well they are like an apple you eat. First, they are all shiny and ripe, so you go and eat the apple. They taste great at first bite, but they don't last. Their insides start to turn brown, and well, they taste good still, so you keep eating. And then you realized that there is nothing left, so you throw the apple away. Simple as that boy. I just like apples."

Dakota just sat there blinking at the man's story. "You are really a strange one Spenser."

"And the girl Jessy, now there is an apple for some man. Only she isn't an apple you eat and toss. I wanted to pair her off to a good man, a good marriage to bring up the statis of the Spenser name. I mean, Penelope never married. I also thought she might not be interested in men. And then little Miss Charlotte went off a man who tried to be a rancher, and failed, then she died. Jessica should have stayed and married one of the rich heirs around St. Louis. Dodge is no place for her."

"Is that why you hate the marshal so much?" Dakota wished he had a shot of whiskey. This man was truly deranged.

"Yes, and the fact that he has such a pretty woman, even if she is a saloon dancehall wench. He wont even marry her, and she is now mothering his children and two brats that aren't Spenser's or Dillions." He spat onto the floor. "My sister's bleeding heart took the brats in when their parents went off and got themselves killed."

"I don't think the pretty woman wants to be with anyone but the marshal. Besides, you were married. Why would you persuade her?"

"Boy, your young. There are women you wed and women you bed. My wife could not have children, so our marriage was name only. Now you take Red. Can't blame the marshal for not wedding her when he can just bed her. She is a woman that men want to bed, so why can't I be one of those men?"

Dakota felt his blood pressure rise and he hoped that Festus would returned quickly and thought about either some beer or a bottle of whiskey. Dakota felt the urge to tear this man apart.

Seeing Dakota turn red, he decided to push the boy even more. "Haven't you ever been with a saloon whore boy?"

"That is none of your business Spenser." Dakota growled at him.

Laughing, Spenser decided to push his luck. "What about a sweet young thing, even one that has never slept with a man until you. That is such a delightful experience. You are a good-looking man, I bet you could woo my niece and make a real woman out of her."

Dakota had enough. He realized that he had started this, so now he was going to end it. Going over to Spenser, he stood over him and then slammed his right fist into Spenser's face. It was just then that Festus entered the room with a basket of food and a bucket of beer. Seeing Dakota raising his right fist again, Festus shouted his name and Dakota just stood over top of him.

TBC

Chapter 18: Dodge City

Jessica woke up to someone holding her hand and someone snoring softly. A ray of light entered the room through the curtains hanging in the window. She looked around and saw Newly sleeping in the chair beside the bed, holding her hand and he looked quite uncomfortable in that chair. Jessica remember her nightmare from last night and a shiver went down her spine. She also remember that she was in Dakota's bedroom in her grandparents' office. Jessica lifted the blanket and was relieved to see she was in a full nightgown. Newly started to stir with her movement.

"Good morning" Jessica whispered as though she might wake someone up. Newly yawned and stretched, not releasing her hand.

"Good morning," he replied back. "Do you feel better?"

She slowly sat up in the bed. "You stayed."

Moving to the side of the bed, Newly looked at her. "Of course I stayed. Where else do you think I would be."

"I had a melt down last night Newly. Too many memories just attacked me. I worried so many people." She lowered her eyes focusing on their hands that were still intwined.

"I shouldn't have said anything about what he said or acted. Will you forgive me for upsetting you."

"No, I needed to know. I have to know what I am really looking at and conquer this demon Newly. Or I wont be alright as a wife or mother. And that is what I want to be someday." She looked up at him as the door opened with a slight knock.

"Jessica, Newly. How does some breakfast sound to the two of you?" Dr. Sammatha inquired.

"I would love breakfast Grandmother." Jessica motioned for Newly to leave the room. Sheepishly, Newly got up and headed out into the outer office and when he saw Doc, he blushed.

"Well, young man. Seems you and I need to chat a bit, say later today? Now sit down and lets wait for the ladies." Doc hid a smile as he rubbed his hand across his mustache.

Inside the bedroom, Sammatha had a robe with her that she helped Jessica put on. "Newly is a nice young man, isn't he."

"Yes, he is. He is smart and works hard also." Jessica tied the bathrobe in place. "Don't remember ever eating a meal in my night clothes."

"Well, first time for everything. Things are going to be a bit rough for a while, but you won't be alone. I think that young man out there will be here for the long haul." Doc. Sam opened the door, and the two ladies walked out and over to the table. Both men, stood up, pulled out chairs and the four of them began to eat breakfast.

Matt walked into the Long Branch and up the stairs. He thought about the days that he would go up the back stairs late at night, and then stole away in the early morning hours before the world was up. Now, he was entering through the front and heading up the stairs to his woman and children. Once upstairs, he headed towards the children's room. Johnny had them up and dressing, although Lilly was complaining about being tired. Matt picked her up and hugged her.

"Baby girl, you need to go to school. Your mother and I can't stay with you today. Mama needs to go get Jessy and bring her home. Matty has to go to school with you."

"And Johnny?" She whispered. "Does he get to sleep in?"

"Nope, not even Johnny. He has to take you to school for me." Matt sat his little girl down. "I have to help Mama, so you finish dressing and come back, so we can do your hair."

Lilly was not exactly happy with her papa's decision but did as she was told. Matt entered the bedroom finding Kitty sitting at her vanity. "Lilly doesn't want to go to school." Matt mentioned, coming up behind her and kissing her on the neck. "I am having Johnny walk them to school and I will walk you over to doc's."

Kitty sighed. "I hope she is better today than she was last night." Kitty stood and went to put on her dress. "We have to make sure our family is alright and safe." She turned so that Matt could button her up.

"I know honey. I want that more than anything. Once if find out where Festus and Dakota took him, I will go and handle it. Let's go have breakfast with the children and then we will head over to Doc's. I wonder if Newly is still there?" he mused more to himself, not expecting an answer.

"I would wager he never left." Kitty patted Matt on the chest as she walked out of their room.

After breakfast, Johnny and the younger ones left their home after kisses or hugs given to Matt and Kitty. When they left, Matt and Kitty headed over to Doc's office. At Doc's office, Sammatha and Jessica picked up the morning dishes while Doc instructed Newly to wait outside, or to even go to work. Sitting on the top step, he watched as Matt and Kitty headed there. When they saw him sitting on the top step, they walked up. Kitty squeezed Newly's arm and went inside. Matt looked at Newly, gauging the look on the man's face.

"I was going over to the jail to finish some paperwork. Why don't you come with me and go through the wanted ad's. It would help me greatly to know if any are near Dodge." Matt implored the young man.

Newly looked up at the door and then nodded. "I guess keeping busy would make the time go faster." The two men walked down the steps and headed over to the Marshal's Office.

"You spent the night there?" Matt casually asked.

"Yes sir. I knew that you had to be at the jail, and Miss Kitty needed to be with the other children. I hope you don't think the worst."

"No Newly, I don't. Just…well, we don't need rumors starting for either of you, especially for a young girl." Matt stopped at the door of the jail and looked at Newly.

"No sir, we don't. I will be careful in my actions. I just felt she needed to feel real secure last night. I do care deeply for her Marshal. You have my word that I will cause her no harm."

Matt, believing him entered the office, hand the young deputy a stack of wanted posters. He himself sat down at his desk and attempted to emerge into the paperwork that was screaming to him. For both felt that the clock on the wall was going to slow for their liking. The door to the office opened up about two hours later, and both men looked up. When they saw Kitty, both stood up.

"Kitty?" Matt quickly went over to her.

"They are done Matt. Nothing I wish to talk about here." She wrapped her arms around him. Matt nodded and rubbed her back.

"I will leave, so you two can talk." Newly was slightly disappointed that nothing could be said in front of him, but he understood.

"Newly, don't leave. I just don't want someone to just walk in on us. She is getting dress and Doc's fine with her going home. She asked me, if I would permit you to fetch her and walk her back to the Long Branch." She looked up to Matt, just as Newly looked to the marshal. "I think it would be alright Matt, don't you?"

Matt looked to Kitty and then to Newly and back to Kitty. "Newly, remember our talk and yes, you can bring her up the backway at the Long Branch." Matt went and grabbed his Stetson, opened the door and usher the three of them outside. He and Kitty walked slowly towards the Long Branch, entering through the front. Checking in on Sam, she asked him to ask Maria to bring up a large pot of coffee and several cups. Sam agreed and went to talk to Maria. Heading up the stairs, Matt and Kitty went into the dining area of the parlor and sat down.

As time passed, Maria brought up a large pot of coffee and 10 cups, not knowing how many. She would inquire about bringing up some small cakes and was told no. Soon, Newly, Jessica, Doc and Sammatha would trek up the repaired stairs and enter. Going into the dining area, everyone took a seat. The tension was thick in the room, so thick you could cut it with a knife as they would say.

Coffee served, Doc pulled on his ear and looked to Sammatha. "It might be better from you."

Sammatha nodded in agreement. "We all know what happened, so no need to go into that. Jessica's bloodwork and other methods has determine there is no sexual disease that we have to be worried about."

Matt and Newly both breathed a sigh of relief on that news. They waited patiently for more information to come out.

"Jessica wanted you here Newly, since the two of you work together and becoming quite close." Sammatha looked to the gunsmith. "She does have scarring, pretty significant in my opinion. Nothing that has stopped the natural monthly courses a woman goes through. Certain things might be difficult in the future, only time will tell. Most importantly, she might not be able to actually deliver a child. It wont prevent her from conceiving and the child's delivery most likely be done by taking the child through a c-section."

Newly knew there must have been more, more than men need to know right now. Things he will speculate and not mention to anyone. He wondered if the same thoughts were going through the marshal's mind. When he looked over, Matt was red in the face. Anger once again was welling up in the marshal.

"Jessica needs to rest for a day or two. When she is ready, she can go back to work. It would be better for her to focus her mind on something else. I have some powders for her to take to help her sleep. Jessy, if you need anything even to just talk, come over to the office." Sammatha finished telling them everything, and then finished her coffee.

"We need to get back to the office in case someone needs their town doctor." Doc Adams said as he stood up, kissed Kitty's cheek and then Jessica. "See you later Matt." He and Sammatha walked down the backstairs of the Long Branch.

"I need to get to the shop Jessica. Will you be alright?" Newly asked her.

"Mother will be here; she and I are going to talk in a while. I wanted to take a bath. Can you ask Sam to send up some water."

Before Newly could respond, Matt spoke up. "Sweetie, I will ask Sam on my way out to my office. See you later Newly."

"Yes sir. I will talk with everyone later tonight." Newly picked up his hat and headed out of the building through the back way.

"Jessy, why do you go get ready for a bath. I am going to escort your father out and then after you bath, we will have a woman to woman talk" Kitty suggested to her. Matt gave her a kiss on the cheek and with Kitty tugging at him, they all walked out into the hallway. Jessica headed towards her room and Matt and Kitty headed to the top of the stairs.

"There's more, isn't there?" Matt looked down at her.

"She might have difficulty in having normal 'relations' with her husband." Kitty quietly said.

"I see. And I suppose that men would see her as 'spoiled goods'."

"I think one man doesn't see her that way. Make sure you home for dinner." She started to push him towards the steps. "I don't need you under my feet all day marshal. So go and catch bad guys, stop bar fights and gun shoot outs."

Matt will laugh and sweep her up into his arms, kissing her. "I want my dinner at 7 woman."

Sam and the patrons of the saloon will chuckle at the two of them. Matt scampered down the stairs and stopped by the bar. Sam poured him a beer and Matt downed it, attempting to show he wasn't dominated by a certain fiery redhead. "Sam, Jessy would like a hot bath. Can you send up water for her tub please.

"I will see to it marshal. Sam smile was large. "I am glad to see you and Miss Kitty's relationship is out in the open."

"Thanks Sam. In a way I am too. Just a bit afraid for my family. Thank you for watching out for them."

"Anytime marshal." Sam went and tended to other customers.

The rest of the day was as normal as possible for Matt and Dodge City. Close to 7pm that night, he headed up to their quarters for dinner. Doc and Dr. Sammatha along with Newly came for dinner. Maria had prepared mounds of steak meat with onions and mushrooms, boiled potatoes and carrots, sour dough rolls and butter, with small cakes and cream for desert. The evening was noisy, laughter rang through the room with jokes and puns just happening. At 9pm, Maria came and fetched the younger two for bed. Kitty and Matt both promised that they would be in before long to kiss them goodnight. The two went from person to person, giving hugs and kisses. Shortly after the little ones went to bed, Sam came upstairs and knocked on the parlor door.

Seeing Sam, Kitty got up and went to him. "Problems in the saloon?"

"No Miss Kitty. Barney just came in with two telegraphs. One for the marshal and one for Doc." Sam handed over the telegraphs, indicating which one was for who. Kitty handed Doc's his, and then handed the one for Matt to him.

Doc quickly read his, and then handed it to Sammatha, who read it and then looked to Doc and plainly stated that she was still going to ground him. Matt handed his over to Kitty who read it and realized Matt was going to head to St. Louis. Standing up he looked to his deputy.

"Newly, Festus and Dakota are taking Spenser to St. Louis. I need you to watch over Dodge while I am gone. The family too."

"Yes marshal," Newly replied dutifully.

"Doc, the train to St. Louis pulls out at midnight from the station, if I remember correctly."

"Yes, it does Matt." Doc pulled on his ear.

Kitty, hearing all this will stand up. "Are you thinking of going there without me?" She looked dead square in Matt's eyes.

"Well, yes. I mean someone has to watch over the children." Matt stumble through his words.

"Sammatha and I can watch the littler ones. They can stay at our place." Doc pipped up, "or we can take turns sleeping here."

"Maria is here father. Johnny and I can watch over the littler ones." Jessica spoke up.

"I am sure if you asked Sam to stay here, he would not have a problem." Johnny stated casually.

Matt ran his hand through his hair, unsure if leaving the children without a parent would be such a good idea. "Are you sure Sam wouldn't mind?"

"I will have Maria fix up the spare room, so whoever is spending the night will have a place to sleep. They both would love Grandparents time." Kitty reassured him.

"I have to get down to the telegraph office and let those in St Louis know that I am coming. Also, need to purchase tickets, clothes to pack, Buck to get down to the train station…" his voice trailed off.

"You have Newly watching the town. You take care of those things; I can make sure there is someone here for the children. Jessica will make sure they are up and ready for school, and Johnny can take them there and pick them up. I can get things packed and have Johnny escort me to the station where I can meet you. Any other questions marshal."

"Yeah, just one." Matt tucked his thumbs into his pants loops.

Taking in a deep breath, now what she thought. "Which is?"

"Which saddle for your horse? Your side saddle or the male type?"

Matt and Kitty bide goodbye to Doc and Sammatha and waited until Jessica told Newly that she will see him in the morning. Once everyone was gone, they asked the twins if they felt sure of themselves to watch over their siblings. Both stated they were sure, and Jessica told them she was alright and not for them to worry. They then went into each bedroom and let Lilly and Matty know they had to go to St. Louis, and to mind the twins, Maria and Sam. Both children agreed to behave.

The two of them went downstairs and Matt went to do what he needed to do, while Kitty talked quietly to Sam, who agreed to spend nights upstairs watching over her children. Kitty then talked to Maria, letting her know what was going on. Maria frown a bit "Take care of the bastard. I will watch things here." Was all she said as she went upstairs to fix up the spare room.

Kitty rushed upstairs to pack their clothes, using to carpetbags and a small bag for her brush, hairpins, face paint and other such items. Time flew and Johnny knocked on the door "Ma, we need to be going." Kitty came out and the two of them headed towards the train station. Matt was waiting for her, telegraphs sent, horses with their gear put into the horse car.

Kitty came up to him and took a very deep breath. Matt sent Johnny back to the family quarters and he watched his son walking down the street, he know that he was watching move man than boy walking. Taking their bags, they went into the passenger car handing their tickets to the conductor. Placing the bags in the rack above them, they settled down on one of the bench seats. Kitty was inside the row beside the window and Matt had the outside. He stretched his arm out and she snuggled down onto his chest.

"Try to get some sleep Kitty. We will be in Wichita in the morning. Couple of men are going to be surprised."

TBC

Chapter 19: The Train to St. Louis

The sun began to rise in the east and fill the passenger car with morning light. Matt looked down at Kitty and smiled. He caressed her face as he was waking her up. "Kitty, honey. You have to wake up. We are almost in Wichita."

Kitty blinked her eyes and looked up at him. Stretching out, Kitty sat up, rolling her head to get the kink's out of her neck. "Good morning cowboy. I feel like I should be home getting the children ready for school."

"I know, I feel like breakfast won't be as fun without the chatter of the children. Amazing what one can miss. I am going to the horse car to talk to my deputies. Then we will go and have a quick breakfast." Matt stood up and gave her a quick kiss.

"Matt, I need to see him."

"Kitty, are you sure? The man has caused so much pain to our family."

Kitty stood up and exit the bench. "I will be alright." She had a firm voice and a firm look. Matt, still a bit unsure, nodded and they went back to the horse car to wait.

Festus and Dakota woke up early in the morning. They woke up Spenser and left him in his irons, the three of them cleaned up and headed downstairs for some food. Ignoring the stares they received, breakfast was ordered.

"Well gentlemen, what is next?" Spenser goated the two deputies. "Am I to be dragged through the middle of town?"

"Don't tempt me Spenser. After what you have done to the Dillions, dragging you through town would be too good." Dakota looked at him.

After breakfast the three of them walked over to the stables to fetch their horses. Spenser decided to make this as miserable as possible for the two deputies, dragging his feet in saddling his horse and making as many teasing remarks as possible, and generally being a total nuisance as possible. Dakota had enough of Spenser's antics, went over to him and slapped him upside the head. "Enough. Finish saddling your horse, or I am going to toss you over him, and tie you down on it, facing the rump of your horse."

They mounted up and headed towards the train station. When they arrived and dismounted, Dakota when over to the conductor, and showed their tickets. The conductor pointed to the horse car. Festus took ahold of Spenser's horse, shoved Spenser ahead of him towards the horse car. When they enter the horse car Festus first secured Spenser and then placed his mule Ruth in one stall and Spenser's horse in another one. Dakota did the same with his horse and mule and then notice that one of the other horses looked familiar.

"Hey, hillman. Isn't this Buck?" he called out.

"Well golly bill, it sure is. And this here is Miss Kitty's horse!" exclaimed Festus

"That could only mean," Dakota started

"That means we are on board." Stated Matt. Both men turned and saw the couple standing there.

"Marshal" Dakota simply said.

"Matthew, what is you and Miss Kitty doing here." Festus squinted with his eye.

"Well, I could ask you the same question. I would say that I am here to knock some sense in my two deputies."

In the corner where Spenser was secured, came a large laughter from Spenser. Then he called out, "Hey Red. Did you and the big man there came to rescue me? Your looking awful pretty today."

Having just enough of the man, Kitty beat the three men who was heading over to him. Her hand came up and she slapped him as hard as she could. "Don't you ever called me Red again. My name is Kitty, but you can call me Miss Kitty. Better yet, you just don't talk to me ever Spenser. Not after what you did to the children." Seeing the panic look in his eyes, she continued. "Oh yes, her father and I know. You are a sick, disgust piece of human and deserved to be horse whipped."

Matt placed his hands on her forearms and turned her around and walked her away from Spenser. Dakota and Festus was not surprise by the slap Kitty gave Spenser. However her words did catch them slightly of guard. Both men's mind started racing and the look of murder came across both men. Matt, realizing he might need to diffuse the situation quickly, called both men over. Reluctantly they walked over to the marshal.

"So tell me what you to idiots are doing here?" Matt placed one arm around Kitty to keep her with him and one hand on his hip, staring at both men.

"Well you see," started Dakota.

"Matthew, this was my idea. I asked Dakota here to help me, don't you see. It ain't no part his fault. We'se could not get him to admit to hurting Johnny and when we'se went up to talk to him about it. Well, Newly was guarding him you see, but he was upset about something with Spenser, and I'se figure if we could get him out of town, away from your family, then things would be better for you, Miss Kitty and the youngins. So we'se just took him. Then it dawned on my thinking, what's to do with him, once we were out of town. Figure we would come here to Wichita and catch a train to St. Louie and lock him up there. I mean's the law would want him to talk about his house and dead wife, don't you see. You and Miss Kitty did not need to come, me and the youngin here could have done it alright."

Matt blinked several times. Festus had a way of turning a tale and could go on and on. He just shook his head. Feeling the train's jerky forward, he took a large breath and let it out. "Well, since we are all heading for St. Louis, what to do. Staying in here might not be the best solution for taking him to St. Louis. Take care of your horses and then bring him to the passenger car. Kitty and I will go back into the passenger car, and I will secure the front seats for the three of you."

Matt took Kitty's elbow and escorted her back to their seats. He will leave her there and head up front to talk to the conductor.

"We have a prisoner that we are escorting to St Louis. I think that up here where we have seats facing each other would be the best place for my deputies to secure the prisoner."

Agreeing, the conductor said "I will take care of it. Do you want the seat behind it for you and Miss Russel?"

"That would be great. I will go and bring in the prisoner. We will have him facing the front so he can't stare at the other passengers." He headed back to where the other three were at, stopping long enough to tell Kitty the plans.

In the horse car, Dakota and Festus finished with there mounts, started to pacing around. Dakota went up to Spenser and talked softly to him.

"If what happened, happened, nothing will stop me from carving you up piece by piece. If I were you, I would behave the best you can."

"You threating me Smith?" Spenser sneered, "Because I have been threaten much, much better than that, by much better men than you will ever be."

Dakota took a step back and raised his fist to hit Spenser, Festus grabbed his arm. "Stop letting the varmint get to you." He dragged Dakota away from Spenser, when Matt came in. Seeing part of the scene happening he looked from Festus to Dakota.

"We can move Spenser into the passenger car. Dakota, it seems you need a break. Go on into the passenger car and sit with Kitty. Go on, boy." He nodded towards the other car. Dakota looked angry but did as he was told.

"Festus, unhook Spenser. We can take him into the passenger car and secure him to the seat." Matt waited until Festus unhooked Spenser from the car and both men lead Spenser into the passenger car.

Dakota sulked as he walked in the passenger car, looking for Kitty, found her and went over to her. "The marshal wanted me to come and sit with you." He gloomily said to Kitty.

Seeing something troubling him, she quipped, "I promise not to bite." And patted the seat next to her. Dakota plopped down on the seat, extended his legs our, crossed his arms over his chest and lowered his Stetson down over his eyes.

Kitty, being a great judge of men, realized he was upset about something and slowly lifted his Stetson up. "Care to talk about it?"

"Nothing to talk about." He grumbled.

"Well, seems something is stuck in your claw. I bet you a beer, it has something to do with Matt, or perhaps Festus."

"I was sent in here like a scolded child by the marshal." He groused.

"I am sure that he had a reason."

"Yeah, he is the marshal, and I am just a part time deputy. Spenser said something to me that I didn't like, and I was going to hit him. Festus grabbed my arm and pulled me away. Then Matt told me to come and sit with you. Then he called me 'boy'."

"Ah, I see now. I am sure he didn't want you to do anything you might regret. I know he is fond of you and grateful for helping him out when he was shot. I don't think he was insulting you; he was protecting you. Being part of a family is difficult at times."

"Yeah, it is. I just want to protect everyone. It feels good to be part of the whole."

"And Matt just wants to protect us from Spenser. That means you also. Don't put too much more thought into it." Dakota nodded and sat up, promising her he would think on her words.

In the passenger car, Matt stepped in front of Spenser. "Festus, leave me for a moment."

Festus looked to Matt and then to Spenser. "Sure thing Matthew, I'se be right outside the door if youse need me." Festus left the room and Matt stared at Spenser. Then he backhanded him, "That is for almost killing my son." Yanking Spenser up onto his feet, he backhanded him again. "And that is for my daughter and what you did to her." He yanked him up onto his feet. "If I found out anything more that you have done to my family, I wont be so kind. Your lucky that I don't kill you Spenser. I rather see you swing by the neck."

Spitting out a bit of blood, Spenser glared at him. "You have nothing on me Marshal. And no right to take me to St. Louis this way. I will be telling the judge everything." Matt grabbed him and shoved him towards the door. Festus opened the door and grabbed Spenser.

"Youse be giving me no trouble now, or I just might need to knock you unconscious for the trip." Festus shoved Spenser unto the next car and then opened the door. "Look forward and walk normal to the front seat."

The three men walked to the front of the car and Festus pointed to a seat for Spenser to take. Once the man had taken the seat, Festus took off one of the handcuffs and secured the handcuff to seat. Then he sat down beside Spenser while Matt sat across from him. Dakota seeing Matt sitting down across from Spenser attempted to get up but was stopped by Kitty.

" Stay here. Let Matt do his job. He has conflict inside just like you, Festus, Newly and Doc. The men are supposed to protect their women, and this is how he is protecting his women. So, tell me, why did you and Festus decide on this kidnapping and now a trip to St. Louis."

He turned slightly towards her and looked into her eyes. "Festus and me were at first go have a "talk" with him out in the dessert. But when we got to his room, Newly was outside guarding like he was supposed to do. He looked really mad, angry and that sort of changed our minds. Oh, we were taking him out into the dessert, just not sure if we were going to bring him back. Festus pulled rank on Newly about taking him with us, but somehow, I don't think he cared. I think he realized that we could do something that he couldn't. We changed our minds and decided to take him to St. Louis, so that the sheriff could question him. I thought we would just threaten him with his life if he ever came back to Dodge. Best laid plans don't always work, do they."

"No Dakota, they don't. Why don't you rest, we still have about two days to St. Louis, and I am sure, both you and Festus are tired."

"Yes, ma'am I am." He closed his eyes and soon he was asleep. Kitty stood up and maneuver Dakota towards the window allowing him to stretch somewhat out. She then went over to Matt and sat next to him.

"Kitty, why did you do that. I don't want him to be able to see you." Matt placed his arm around her shoulders.

"I want him to see me. I need to see him. This is a horrible part of life, and I need to make sure he knows we are responsible for his sentencing. If he did this to our daughter, perhaps he did it to other parents daughters." She laid her head down on his shoulder and just stared at Spenser. She knew it would get to him and it was.

Two days later, the train entered the station in St. Louis. Spenser looked very nervous when the train arrived. He knew his days might be number and this worried him. They didn't find a body in the burnt house. Did this mean his wife was alive and well, plotting revenge. Festus and Dakota went and fetched everyone's horse, while Matt maintained ahold of Spenser. A familiar voice rang out behind him.

"Marshal, Marshal Dillion." Rolf Washburn called out behind Matt. He came up and did a double take seeing Spenser in handcuff and leg irons.

"Rolf, how are you?" Matt shook Rolf's hand.

"I am fine. Miss Kitty, looking lovely as usual. I am quite sure Claria will be happy to see you." Rolf informed Kitty

"I will be glad to see her. How is the place doing?" Kitty inquired.

"It is doing just fine. I brought a carriage with me. Wasn't sure if it was needed or not. Who all did you bring, other than this villain here."

"My two deputies, Dakota and Festus. They are fetching our horses. Kitty why don't you ride in the carriage."

Shortly, Festus and Dakota brought all the horses and mules. Introduction between Rolf and Festus was made. Kitty opt to ride in the carriage with Rolf and the group headed over to the jail house. Near the jailhouse, a lone woman was walking, wearing tattered clothing, and looking worst for wear, she stopped and duck into an empty doorway, she watched with wide eyes and an evil grin on her face. She watched as a red head woman climbed down from the carriage with the help of a very tall man. That must be who he was fantasizing a life with for months. She put her hand over her mouth and chuckled seeing him in handcuffs and leg irons. Perhaps she can get her money back and seek revenge at the same time. She could be seen this way, dirty, tattered worn and old. Having a piece of jewelry left, her only piece of her past life, she would sell it and buy clothes worthy of high-class woman and clean herself up. She would get him to hand over the money he stole from her, and then figure out how to end his life.

Spenser was dragged into the jailhouse, and the sheriff stood up seeing him. "Well, well. If it isn't Albert Spenser in the flesh. I have so many questions to ask you. Seen you wife lately?"

He will come around the desk and look at the man. "Take off his leg irons and then we will escort him to our finest accommodations." Festus stooped down and to off the leg irons and then stood back up.

"Many things I would like to talk to you about Sheriff. Can we talk tomorrow morning. We have had a long trip and something better to eat and baths would get fine."

"Of course Marshal." Turning towards Spenser, he looked at him. "We have so many questions, and of course so many charges, one doesn't know where to start. Oh, we do have a friend of yours locked up back there. Someone who goes by the name of Bryant Scott. Know him?"

Spenser turned pale and the sheriff's deputies escorted the man to the cells, placing him in one. Across from Spenser sat in his own cell, Bryant Scott. The man who knew so much about Spenser.

The group went out of the jail house and mount their rides, heading back to the Washburn place. For Kitty, it seemed both a long time ago, and yet just yesterday, that she came and claimed the children. And now, it seem real that they would be rid of one Albert Spenser.

TBC

Chapter 20: Courting

The group arrived and was welcomed by Clara who wanted updates on the children. Introductions were made, Festus to Clara and the household staff, and Jefferies the house butler and Lawerence the cook. Bags were taken upstairs and rooms assigned to their guest. At dinner, Matt and Kitty talked about the children, keeping it light with such stories of Matty wanting to run away from School and join a circus, to the growing feelings between Jessica and Newly. After dinner and a few brandies, the Dodge group went up to bed.

In Matt and Kitty's room, a quiet conversation will start as the couple started to get undress and then dress for the night. "Matt," Kitty started. "Since we are going to be here a few days, do you think we could possibly do some shopping?"

"I don't see why we cant. I am sure you want a new dress or two. What kind of shopping to you have in mind."

"There is a shop where I order supplies for the Long Branch. I need to order some new mugs and whiskey glasses. Johnny can fix the chairs and tables, but not the glassware." She replied with a chuckle in her voice.

"We need to stop by the sheriff's office first."

"I know, you need to talk to the sheriff tomorrow." She said quietly.

Hearing the quietness in her voice, Matt came over and took her into his arms. "It will be over soon. Come, let's get some sleep." He led her over to the bed, coax her to lay down and he covered her with the blankets. Going over to the other side, he climbed into the bed and reached for her. Kitty rolled over into his arms, laid her head down on his chest and soon the Dodge couple was sound asleep.

Over in the jail, Albert Spenser was fuming and staring at Bryant Scott who did everything he could to ignore the man. Finally, Spenser blurted out, "Why did you come back to St. Louis."

Scott looked up at him. "I just wasn't right Albert. I couldn't sleep, nor eat most times. I mean, you wanted the house burned down was one thing, but killing you wife, after all the torture, I just could live with that."

"What did you tell them?" Spenser demand.

"Told them everything I knew."

"That is going to get us hung by a rope. Told you to keep quiet about it." Spenser growled at him.

"The sheriff is going to get me a good sentence." Scott retorted. "You are a very evil man and should be hung." Scott flopped on his cot and stared at the ceiling.

Early in the morning, Matt woke up on his side. Kitty was nestled up against him with her back against his chest. His right arm over her stomach, holding onto her. He nestled his face into her hair, smelling the lilac scent of the soap she used. Slowly she turned in his arms and he softly kissed her lips. Responding she lifted her hand and ran her fingers through his hair. He deepened the kiss, and she moaned into his mouth.

Matt slid his underwear off and slowly ran his hand up her side under her nightgown. Her hand caress his chest and then slowly adventured down to his stomach, making circles with her fingers. His hand went to her breast, his thumb rubbing her nipples. Her breathing just like his was becoming faster and faster as the caressing of bodies escalated with excitement. Her hand finished her trip down his body to his manhood which she caressed it along with other parts of his body down there. His breathing became ragged as he slid her nightgown up and then he caressed her thighs. She responded by opening her legs inviting him in whispering her desire for him to enter. He responded by moving between her legs, teasing her most intimate area with his own and then whispering her loved her, entered her warm, soft place. Slowly they moved in a rhythm that only they knew, gripping each other tightly as the rhythm moved faster and faster. Matt felt her body tense and shook, he knew she had reached her climax, and he followed suit, emptying himself into her and then collapse on her, attempting to keep his weight off of her. Smoothing his hair off of his forehead, she smiled up at him.

"Now that is a great way to be woken up." Kitty softly whispered in his ear.

"I want this day to be as wonderful as possible. I know I need to see the sheriff, but you don't. Thought I would dropped you off at a dress store and I will deal with the sheriff."

"I know a store I want to go to, so that would work. You would be so bored in the store, and I don't really want to be anywhere around 'him'" she agreed with Matt.

After a quick breakfast and informing Festus and Dakota that they would going into town for the day, Matt and Kitty climbed up into a buggy and headed for town. They stopped in front of Cheddars Ladies Clothing. Matt got down and secured the horse, and then helped Kitty down. He went in with her and immediately felt out of place. Once Matt was reassured that she will be here for a couple of hours, he left and headed to the Sheriff's office.

Entering the sheriff Matt greeted the sheriff and went to sit down in the chair in front of the sheriff's desk. "When does he go before the judge?" Matt inquired.

"The judge has him down in two days, around 11:00. He wants to hear all the evidence we have and what Spenser has to say."

"I wish to speak to the judge myself. He has haunted and taunt the Dillion children for some time. I can't prove anything really other than a letter my daughter wrote and my gut feeling."

"We have man questions for Spenser. We also have a witness who will testify to all that he has done. I appreciate you bringing Spenser here. Our medical examiner is looking at records taken when his first two wives died. As for the current Mrs. Spenser, we don't know if she is alive or dead. No body was found at the house that burned down. We also have reason to believe that he killed a saloon girl." The sheriff told Matt.

"I see. I want to escort the man to the judge. I do have my two deputies to help." Matt looked to the sheriff.

"I had thought you might. I don't see a problem with that. I would have to go along, with my deputy. I would say to be here around 10:00 in the morning. We have a prisoner wagon we will use."

Standing, Matt extended his hand and shook hands with the sheriff. "See you in two days." He left and realized that he still had some time before he had to meet Kitty. Heading to where the store was, he spotted a jewelry store and decided to go and look at rings.

Matt entered the store and was greeted by a well-dressed young man. "May I be of assistance to you sir?"

"I am looking for a special ring for a special woman." Matt replied.

"Is it for her birthday, or something more special?" The young man smiled.

"I want to propose to her. Does that help?" Matt looked around and hoped that he brought enough money.

"If you follow me, I can show you an array of rings that would suit your purpose."

Matt followed the young man through the shop, admiring an array of jewelry. The clerk lead Matt to a case where there was several dozen rings of all types. The clerk let Matt alone for a few minutes to look over the rings. Matt admire the one that was the largest, however he knew he could not possibly afford it. Still his curiosity got the better of him and he asked for the price. When the cleric told him it was 700.00 dollars, Matt's eyebrow went up.

"Perhaps sir, if you let me know your budget, I could help you find a beautiful in that price bracket."

"I have 100.00 dollars to spend on a ring. I just don't want one that looks cheap. She has waited for me a very long time and now she has taken on the roll of mother to my children. I just don't want the ring to seem cheap but shows how much I love her."

"Yes sir, I can understand. Let me get a tray here, and I can pull out a few of the rings that would suit your needs. Do you know her ring size?"

Matt thought about it for a few minutes. "I believe that her ring size is the same as my little finger." The clerk nodded and measured Matt's little finger. Taking a tray, he proceeded to take out several rings and then set the tray on top of the case for Matt to exam. Watching the large man handling the rings and looking unsure, the clerk came up with an idea.

"Why don't I put on the ring so you can see what they look like on? Just imagine that my hand is hers."

"That might just work." Matt agreed and the clerk began to put on each ring, showing those rings off for the marshal to evaluate. The third ring was a small diamond with two small green gemstones, one on each side. Matt knew this was the one and let the clerk know that this one was the one. The clerk let him know that it was 90.00 dollars. Matt paid the cost, smiling as he did and when the clerk handed him the ring in its case, Matt realized how right this felt. He should have done this years ago.

Leaving the store, Matt mounted the carriage and went to the store where he left Kitty. Once there he entered the store looking for her. Kitty, seeing him, came over smiling and it gripped Matt's heart.

"So how many dresses did you get?" He asked.

"Six." Kitty chuckled when Matt said 'six'. "I got three for me, one for Jessica and two for Lilly. The packages will be delivered to the estate tomorrow." She informed him. "I am hungry, lets go and get some lunch."

The two of them went to a local café and chatted for a couple of hours, before they left, spending the rest of the day going from one shop to another. When they were in a shop that specialized in bar equipment, Matt watched with pride as she was able to negotiate what seemed a good price. When asked about tables or chairs, she said with happiness and pride in her voice that her eldest son is able to fix those things, so she doesn't need to buy new ones all the time.

After dinner in an upscale restaurant, the buggy ride home was relaxing and calm. She leaned up against his arm and he kiss the top of her head.

"Do you miss the children Matt."

"I did this morning; with all the chatter they do getting ready for the day. I thought about ordering Festus and Dakota to wake up early and make the noise but decided against it. No need to disturb the Washburns."

"I did enjoy waking up to your intentions verse to 'ma, which dress should I wear' or 'ma, johnny grabbed me out of bed' and the sounds of them hustling through the quarters."

"We will be home by Friday. I would be honored to take you to the Fall Festival Dance on Saturday. So, may I escort you Saturday night?"

Kitty looked at him and smiled. "I don't know Matt. As much as I would love to go with you, something always comes up. I always wind up going to the dances with Doc. And now that he is married, I feel like a third wheel."

Nodding, Matt stopped the carriage over to the side and then he turned to her. "I know in the past I have missed many events with you. Dodge City and the badge always came in first. Dodge was rougher back then, and still is in some ways. And there are those who would take me out in a heartbeat. I have a family now and have to remember that. I can't say I wont miss things, but I am going to be more present. So, if something would take me out of town during this event, I can send Festus, Newly, even Dakota, or all three of them. I am going to be in town for this dance. So, may I escort you Miss Russel to the Fall Festival Dance?"

She smiled devilish at him, "I think you might have to ask my father." At first Matt was not sure what William Russel had to do with this, then he realized she meant Doc.

"I am sure he will approve of me." He leaned in and kissed her. "So…."

"I would be honored to go with you Marshal."

He put his arm around her shoulders and clicked for the horse to move forward. He felt the box in his coat pocket and was happy. Everything was falling into place.

The next day proved to be a beautiful day outside. Matt inquired from the cook if he could put together a picnic basket. Lawerence was thrilled to accommodate the marshal. Matt then went to find Kitty and found her outside on one of the lounge chairs, drinking tea and watching Festus and Dakota at the firing range. Matt sat down next to her and followed her glaze.

"Target practice I see."

"Hum-um. Seems that the hillman and the youngin have some sort of bet on who can hit the bullseye the most with a rifle."

"Well, that will keep them busy until tomorrow morning. I was wondering if you had plans for this afternoon?" Matt continued to watch his two deputies.

"I don't know, what do you have in mind?" Kitty turned her focus on him.

He turned and looked at her. "I was thinking about a picnic and relaxing with a ride on our horses."

"Oh Matt, that sounds wonderful." She moved from her chair to his, sitting in his lap.

"Well, you change into riding clothes and grab the basket, and I will get the horses ready."

Kitty kissed him soundly, scooted off his lap and scampered up to her room. Changing into her 'boy clothes', she braided her hair back and looked into the mirror. Happy with the outcome, she went down to the kitchen and Lawerence handed her a picnic basket. Thanking him, she went outside and grinned as big as she could. Matt was there with their horses. Matt met her halfway to the horse, taking the basket out of her hands. He helped her up onto her horse and mounted his.

"Rolf said that a few miles north of here is a small creek that is perfect for a picnic. Thought we can go there." Matt lead the two of them north to the creek, discovering many areas that a couple could enjoy a private picnic. They picked a place they like, dismounted and tied up the horses. Matt laid out the blanket and Kitty began to take out the food. There were sandwiches laden with meat and cheese, potato salad, a blueberry pie and a bottle of red wine. They ate until they were full and laid down relaxing next to each other, talking about items that were important to them.

"Honey," Matt started. "If Newly were to ask me to take Jessica to the dance, should I be alright with this?"

"Of course, cowboy. You know, he has been really good to her and for her. I can see him asking to court her and then maybe even ask for her hand. The twins have grown so much from the first time I met them."

"I remember that day. Even though I told you about them, I was still scared when we went there." Matt continued.

"Johnny ran in, covered in dirt and mud while Jessica was prim and proper." Both of them laughed out loud.

"Kitty, we need to look at houses, or land and build a house. We have done well above the bar, but I think we need a quiet place for them."

"When this is all over, we could start looking, I mean really looking." She agreed with him.

The rest of the afternoon went to fast for them. While they were laying down, a cow from the pasture come up to them, staring down to see what was in the grass. It went on to the water and they discovered that several cows were heading their way. The horses started acting nervous when the cows headed towards them. Matt went and untied the horses while Kitty packed up the picnic. Moving from that area and found themselves on a small hill overlooking the apple trees. The couple walked around, looking at what the property held. Soon it was getting chilly, and the sun was beginning to set. They head back to the house, both thinking about tomorrow.

Later that night, Matt and Kitty crawled into bed. She snuggled up on his chest and he pulled the covers up over them. "Matt," she said softly.

"Yes sweetheart." He replied.

"I want to go with you tomorrow."

Surprised, "Kitty, you don't want to see him, or anything that involves him."

"I need to see this through." She pleaded

"I don't want you around that man, never again Kitty." His voice sounded firm.

"I promise the children that I would see him put away." Her voice quivered a bit. "And I really need to see him before the judge"

Matt sighed and relented. "You cannot be around him while we transport him. When we are in the building, you keep your distance from him. I don't to worry about you."

Kitty agreed and snuggled deeper into him. Matt on the other hand, laid awake thinking about the next day. He really hoped that everything would go to plan.

Somewhere in St. Louis, with the money she received from selling her last piece of jewelry, a bath, hair fixed, and a dress bought, she laid in bed waiting for morning. She smiled as she watched the spider crawl up the wall. Smashing it with her hand, she laugh. Tomorrow he will breathe his last breath.

In the morning, the four people from Dodge City were up and out of the house early. It was important for them to be at the jail before 8:00 a.m. Tension rose the closer they came to the jail. Once there, they went inside the building, Matt greeting the sheriff.

"I didn't know you employed women deputies marshal."

"She is a witness to his crimes and wanted to go, so I let her. She knows to stay out of the way." Matt replied.

"Humm. Not sure if that is wise. The judge wants to see Scott also, so your men will escort Spenser, and my men will escort Scott. We have the wagon out there for Spenser. Don't think it is wise to put them in there together."

The transport of the prisoners did not run into any trouble. In the court room, the judge asked Scott several questions, which not only did he answered, but went into stories of what happened and into great detail. All the while, Spenser looked meaner and angrier. The judge ask if there was any more evidence, Matt approached the judge and spoke quietly to him, letting him know about the suspicion of Johnny's accident and the abuse that was done to Jessy. He handed over the letter Jessy had written. When everything was over, Spenser was charged with two counts of murder, two attempted murder, arson, sexual abuse and sexual assault. Spenser, of course pleaded not guilty. Kitty quietly sighed to herself and smiled within herself.

As they left the courthouse, the sheriff, his deputies and Scott went out first and over towards their horses, mounting them. Matt and his deputies took Spenser out of the courthouse and started down the stairs.

Today was the day and she waited and waited. Soon revenge will be hers and will be sweeter than honey. When Scott had come out, she moved closer to the courtyard stairs. Her anticipation went high. Then, he came out, with one deputy on each side holding onto Spenser. Glorious days to come. She walk up closer and started on the steps.

"Hello Albert," she said.

"Barbara" he stuttered.

"Welcome home", she said bring up a shotgun and fired both barrels. Both Festus and Dakota attempted to hold him up. Blood splatter everywhere as the bullets hit him squared in the chest and stomach. Both Festus and Dakota were covered in blood and inners of Spenser.

When the shotgun came out, Matt pushed Kitty back behind a wall, and he drew his pistol. The sound of the shotgun rang in everyone's ears. Seeing his deputies, attempting to hold onto Spenser, Matt went around the three men and grabbed the shotgun from her hands.

The sheriff dismounted immediately and went up to Barbara. "Mrs. Spenser. What in the name of god did you do." He grabbed her arm so she could not get away.

"The man deserved it." She quietly said, not resisting either Matt taking the shotgun and the sheriff grabbing her arm.

Festus and Dakota slowly let Spenser's dead body lay on the stairs. Kitty came out from behind the wall and looked the scene in front of her. The scene was shocking and bloody, but the man was totally out of their lives. Kitty's eyes locked onto Barbara's eyes and Barbara notice why Albert was in awe of this woman.

The Sheriff took her away, over to the wagon that was meant to hold her husband and put her inside. Matt came over to the body and looked to his two deputies. Relieved they were not hurt, he realized that they had blood all over them. "You two are a mess."

"I did not see this; I did not see this." Was all Dakota said.

"Who thought his she-male would shoot him up with a shotgun." Festus said.

"Time to go home Matt." Kitty touched his arm. Matt nodded and informed the sheriff; they were going back to the estate and would be leaving in the morning. The sheriff understood and wished them safe journeys.

Stayed tune for Part III: An Engagement and a Wedding.

When does Matt propose to Kitty, will something interfere with it.

Do they stay at the Long Branch or will they find a house.

Does Kitty get the wedding she wants.

More to come in Part III.